George Russell's extraordinary row with Max Verstappen across the final two grands prix of the 2024 Formula 1 season was as explosive as it was unprecedented.
Although the end of the campaign cut off the discourse, there is every likelihood that it will erupt again throughout the 2025 season.
In a remarkably honest and wide-ranging interview with Autosport, Russell explained how he is learning to stand up for himself and that includes criticising the driving style of the reigning, four-time world champion Verstappen.
So, despite having just turned 26, Russell is coming of age and there is a new-found confidence within him as he prepares for a new season as Mercedes’ lead driver following Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.
Russell is a principled driver and says it is those values he holds in such high regard which have drawn him into conflict with Verstappen.
“I am entering my seventh year of F1 now and you do start to recognise where you are,” he said.
“You realise your own voice and the platform you have and the impact you can make. I thought it was important for myself, because I'm not going to accept being pushed around and disrespected in that regard so openly and publicly.
“That was the main driving force behind it. I've seen many people in life push and shove people around to get what they want. You need somebody to stand up to individuals like that - and nobody has done that whatsoever.”
Russell goes on to explain how his frustration was a consequence of seeing Verstappen’s clashes with McLaren’s Lando Norris in Mexico and Austin, while there was also the contact that sent Oscar Piastri into a spin on the opening lap in Abu Dhabi.
“I was a bit frustrated watching the season play out at the front last year,” he added. “How Max was driving with regard to being harder and sort of bullying others around, showing his aggression in a manner that nobody stood up to.
“The only driver was Lewis; he was the only person to do that in ’21 and that was obviously such a great season.
“I was frustrated watching the sport last year, when there should have been such a great title battle, and it was not, so those comments in Qatar tipped me over the edge.
“I just thought of everything that had happened, from the on-track driving antics to where he was talking off track. It wasn't acceptable and something needed to be done.”
By taking such a stance and calling out Verstappen’s behaviour, Russell found himself in the firing line and not only from the world champion, as Red Bull boss Christian Horner labelled Russell “hysterical”.
He revealed that members of his team received online abuse from “Dutch fans”.
He said: “I have got to be honest. I didn't see any of it myself, but I do know there was a lot of criticism out there. I know members of my team were receiving emails from Dutch fans. But I think that's a part of sport and life, really, isn't it.
“That's something we accept. And you can choose to read it and let it have an emotional impact on you, even if you laugh at the comments, that has an impact on you.
“So I just have this view and mentality that even with the positive comments, does it actually make me drive faster? Probably not, and there are more negative than positive most of the time, so I do really try and avoid it.”
Russell is unwavering in his opinion and with Verstappen unlikely to change his driving style for this season, the likelihood is that the pair will be drawn into conflict again.
The full exclusive interview with George Russell is the cover feature for the new monthly issue of Autosport magazine. For more premium content, take a look at the March 2025 issue and subscribe today.
