RB attacks Russell

“Hysteria!” Horner follows up in the Formula 1 dispute

Christian Horner (left) takes George Russell (right) to task.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The fronts between Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes star George Russell have hardened - and now Christian Horner is also firing back at the Briton. The Red Bull team boss accuses Russell of "hysteria" and "tactical games".

The trigger was Russell's demand for a penalty in Qatar qualifying because he felt that Verstappen had hindered him on a warm-up lap. The race stewards relegated Verstappen to second place and Russell inherited pole.

Verstappen obstructed Russell and received a penalty.

(Bild: AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC, x.com/Dia8olicaR)

Verstappen has "lost all respect"
Verstappen had driven unnecessarily too slowly, was the explanation given by the stewards, who therefore handed down a rare penalty. The four-time champion could not believe that he had received a one-place penalty. However, the Dutchman was more annoyed by Russell's behavior in the discussions with the race stewards. "In my life, in my career, I have often been in this meeting room with people who have raced. I've never seen anyone try to screw someone over so much. And with that, I have lost all respect," said Verstappen.

Horner speaks of a "tactical game"
 Now Horner is also taking Russell to task. "I think the penalty was based on George's hysteria, which was quite pronounced this weekend. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a tactical game going on," the Red Bull team boss grumbles. In any case, it was a "very strange decision": "Because both cars were on slow laps and I had the feeling that George and Mercedes made a big deal out of it."

One thing is certain: Verstappen wants nothing more to do with Russell, emphasized the Austro racing team's exceptional driver. After his 63rd GP victory on the Lusail International Circuit, Verstappen also told TV station Viaplay that Russell "is always very polite here in front of the camera, but when you sit down with him directly, he is simply a completely different person". Thick air in Formula 1!