Max Verstappen showed what he really thinks of George Russell in ‘off-camera’ moment at US Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen and George Russell are known rivals in Formula 1 after tense feuds on and off the track in recent months.

Their rivalry came to a head at last year’s Qatar GP, when the Red Bull driver was accused of impeding the Mercedes star in qualifying. This led to a heated exchange between Verstappen and Russell in the stewards’ room after the latter had reported the incident.

The situation escalated in Abu Dhabi when Russell used the media to label Verstappen as a ‘bully’ – he claimed the Dutchman had threatened to put him into a wall. Ever since, the pair have been tied to a tense feud, which some believe is not resolved.

The drama has not stopped between the drivers in 2025. Verstappen collided with Russell in Barcelona after he was instructed to hand a position back due to an overtake he made off the circuit.

Verstappen was adjudged to have deliberately driven into Russell and was hit with a 10-second penalty. It was evidence that the pair’s relationship was still not good, but the United States Grand Prix may put that ‘myth’ to rest.

Max Verstappen showed ‘respect’ to George Russell ‘off-camera’ after United States Grand Prix battle

Jos Verstappen said his son and Russell’s feud was over after they privately met in Bahrain during winter testing. The race at COTA will prove that theory after the pair’s reaction to their battle during the Sprint race.

Verstappen claimed victory on Saturday and Sunday in Austin, while Russell finished second in the Sprint and P6 in the Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver navigated the chaos on the first corner on Saturday after the McLarens and Nico Hulkenberg collided.

Russell attempted an ambitious move on Verstappen at turn 12, with both drivers running off the track. It was reminiscent of Lando Norris’ move on the Dutchman the year before, which landed him with a penalty.

Verstappen stayed ahead to win the race, but showed ‘respect’ to Russell after his attempted overtake. Journalist Stuart Codling addressed the ‘off-camera’ moment during the press conference via the Autosport F1 Podcast.

“There’s this whole myth that Russell and Verstappen hate one another and don’t talk to one another,” he said.

But off-camera in that press conference, whilst Carlos was getting a little bit of limelight and love from the host and the various people asking questions, Max and George were quietly having a little chat.

“And I think Max is the sort of guy, he is a bully on track. And I think he respects you, he might not say it when he’s talking to his engineer and trying to lobby for a penalty. But I think he respects you more if you try something.”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Could Max Verstappen and George Russell become teammates in the future?

Russell would have been looking to put his drama with Verstappen behind him in 2025 and focus on his season. While he has been hugely impressive with Mercedes with two wins, the Dutchman has hung over him all year during contract negotiations.

Mercedes were linked with Verstappen earlier in the year, which delayed Russell’s new deal with the team. After the Red Bull driver committed his future to the Milton Keynes outfit for 2026, Russell eventually signed a multi-year contract, as did teammate Kimi Antonelli.

However, the Silver Arrows did not specify how long the deal was for, with rumours ‘gaining traction’ that Russell has an exit clause. This would open the door for Verstappen to join Mercedes in 2027, if he is unsatisfied with the package Red Bull provide next season.

Reports are now suggesting that Mercedes would drop Antonelli to sign Verstappen, thus creating a partnership with Russell. Given their relationship behind the scenes, it may not be as bad as some may think.