F1 News

Russell on Verstappen Baku incident

Russell not bothered by words Verstappen: 'A bit unnecessary though'

30 April 2023 at 15:19
Last update 30 April 2023 at 15:42
12
  • GPblog.com

George Russell has calmly responded to Max Verstappen's angry comments about their incident on Saturday. Speaking to GPblog and others, the Mercedes driver addressed the situation and indicated that, as far as he is concerned, things are all right between the two drivers.

The contact between Russell and Verstappen resulted in a gap in the Dutchman's sidepod, causing him to lose around three-quarters of a second per lap, according to team boss Christian Horner. Verstappen then certainly did not hold back, calling Russell "Princess George" in his reaction after the incident. On Sunday, Russell was asked for his take on the situation, but according to the Mercedes driver, there is no need to mince further words about the incident.

"No, there's nothing really to say from my side of it," Russell responded. "At the end of the day, it's the heat of the moment for everybody, I don't know if he calls differently now, but at the end of the day it's a bit of a race incident."

Russell does not think Verstappen needs to apologise

While Russell does not need an apology from Verstappen, he does think it could benefit the Dutchman to behave a bit differently in the future. "No, I don't need an apology at all. But, he's a two-time champion, leading the championship again at the moment. It doesn't bother me, but he lets himself down a little bit with those sorts of comments. Max is a super good guy, a great great driver. Words like that are just a bit unnecessary."