Russell reveals aim in sharing alleged Verstappen threat

George Russell has asserted he is not seeking retribution over threats the Mercedes driver alleges Max Verstappen made to him in Qatar.

The 26-year-old has claimed the Dutchman told him he would “put me on my fucking head in the wall”, an accusation Verstappen has denied.

Although Russell’s account has not been verified, some have questioned whether F1 and the FIA will investigate the encounter given the purported seriousness of the comments made.

However, the Briton himself is not seeking repercussions for Verstappen, maintaining he is merely “standing up for myself” against the Red Bull driver.

“I have no idea, to be honest, and it’s not something that I even… I’m not looking to get Max penalised,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. “I’m not looking for any repercussion from this.

“I am standing up for myself, from a guy who is coming out, questioning my integrity as a person, slamming me in the press – and I just want to set the record straight.

“As I said, Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion, but for me, he crossed a line [in Qatar], and that was too much.”

‘It could have been anybody in that stewards’ room…’

The catalyst for the ensuing feud between the two drivers was their near-miss during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, but Russell’s supposed conduct in front of the stewards angered Verstappen, who voiced his discontent publicly – both of which have amplified the situation.

The tensions have spilled into the season-ending round in Abu Dhabi, with team principals Toto Wolff and Christian Horner also getting involved.

Whilst the two have clashed in the past, notably in Baku last season, Russell believes Verstappen would have reacted the way he insists he did no matter who the driver opposite him was.

“I honestly think it could have been anybody in that stewards’ room and Max would have reacted the same way,” the three-time grand prix winner said.

“He’s made it personal when there was no need to make it personal… he was wound up and frustrated before I even spoke in that stewards’ room.”