Max Verstappen rages at ‘childish’ comment in press conference after George Russell jab!
Max Verstappen has snapped back at continued questions over a potential race ban given his penalty points situation after he was beaten to pole position in Canada by George Russell
Max Verstappen is sick of questions regarding his penalty points
Max Verstappen was left fuming as he again had to face questions over a possible race ban and admitted its “really p***ing me off”. The Red Bull driver is one penalty point away from being hit with a race ban.
His antics at the recent Spanish Grand Prix, where he drove into rival George Russell, saw him have more points added to his licence and he will drive at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix knowing he must toe the line.
Verstappen is known for his aggressive style, which has been a hallmark throughout his career, and the Dutchman may have to show a more measured approach at Montreal if he doesn’t want to be absent from the grid later down the line.
It was Russell whom he clashed with in Barcelona and the pair have history, exchanging verbals in the past. They have drawn a line in the sand but the saga continues to be bought up and Verstappen had enough as he snapped at one question.
As F1’s Tom Clarkson began a question about Verstappen’s penalty points as well as his rivalry with Russell but the defending world champion quickly stopped him in his tracks and said: “I don’t need to hear it again.” He then added: It’s really p***ing me off. You [the media] speaking about it on Thursday, it’s such a waste of time. It’s childish. It’s really annoying this world that we live in.’
Russell meanwhile appears more than happy to poke the bear after landing pole position with a stunning lap in Montreal. He stuck his Mercedes ahead of Verstappen, who will start second ahead of world championship leader Oscar Piastri going into Turn 1.
When he was asked about his pole lap the Mercedes star smirked and said: “I’ve got a few more points on my licence to play with.” That drew some cheers but also audible boos from fans in the stands at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
George Russell was thrilled after qualifying on pole in Montreal(Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
The Brit added: “To be honest that last lap was probably one of the most exhilarating laps of my life. I got into the last corner and I was six tenths up and I was like, ‘This lap is mighty’. Crossing the line and seeing we were P1 was a real surprise, but I was so chuffed with it.”
Russell had whooped with delight over the radio after his pole was confirmed and shouted: “What a f****** lap!” The same could not be said about Lando Norris, who was under pressure in the final round of qualifying after fluffing his opening lap.
The best he could muster after that issue was seventh as his engineer looked to re-inspire his confidence over team radio. It gives Norris plenty to do as he looks to close on his team-mate. He said: “A tough Qualifying and not the result I was after. We were lacking a little bit of pace to the quickest cars, and I’ve pushed a bit too much to try and find that.”
