Verstappen questions Russell role as F1 drivers’ mouthpiece

Max Verstappen has moved to question George Russell’s position as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) amid their recent public war of words.

The duo spent their media sessions in Abu Dhabi hitting out at one another in an escalation of the feud that was ignited in Qatar.

Verstappen claimed Russell aggressively pushed for the Red Bull driver to be handed a grid penalty for an incident during qualifying. As a result, Verstappen insisted he lost all respect for Russell.

In Abu Dhabi, Russell hit out at Verstappen and labelled the Dutchman a bully. 

He also brought up the 2021 title fight he had against current team-mate Lewis Hamilton and suggested ex-F1 race director Michael Masi would fear for his life if the controversial ending to the season did not play out in Verstappen’s favour.

As well as his duties for Mercedes, Russell speaks on behalf of the F1 drivers to the GPDA regarding any concerns they have.

Addressing Russell’s role within the GPDA, Verstappen highlighted the poor impression the 26-year-old’s comments create.

“Well, that’s kind of disappointing to see,” Verstappen told select media including RacingNews365 regarding Russell’s recent comments.

“I don’t think that’s the best example to show either to the FOM or the FIA, to be like that.”

Horner backs Verstappen over stewards’ room suggestion

The spat has also seen team bosses Christian Horner and Toto Wolff weigh in, with Wolff labelling Horner a “yapping little terrier” after Horner pointed to Russell’s “hysterics” in Qatar.

Russell claimed Verstappen entered the stewards’ room last Saturday cursing before Russell even had a chance to speak.

Verstappen has refuted the suggestion, which has been backed up by Horner.

“In answer to your question, first of all, Max does nothing but tell the truth,” Horner said. “So I believe 100% what he said to be accurate. 

“Of course, there’s other people in those steward rooms as well. And they also came back and reported that they were quite surprised at the, if you like, the approach that was taken.

“Regarding Toto’s other comments, I’m not going to rise to the bait of that. Everybody manages themselves and their teams in different ways. 

“We’ve won 122 races. We’ve won 14 world championships. I think we’re doing alright.”