Tensions are still simmering in the Formula 1 world as drivers arrive in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.
And it’s George Russell who’s fanning the flames a bit—calling out Max Verstappen for what he believes was a not-so-subtle intimidation attempt during last week’s Spanish Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver didn’t hold back when asked about their clash in Barcelona, where Verstappen appeared to push the limits of aggressive driving.
Russell Says Verstappen Tried to Intimidate Him—But It Didn’t Work
Reflecting on the dramatic high-speed collision, Russell shared that he believed Verstappen’s move was more about sending a message than causing actual damage.
“I think he was trying to run me off the road,” Russell explained, “but I don’t think he meant to crash into me on purpose. He just misjudged it.”
According to Russell, Verstappen’s intent was likely to rattle him, not wreck him.
But Russell made it clear—he wasn’t fazed.
“It wasn’t going to scare me,” he added. “It was just a bit surprising, honestly.”
A Costly Mistake for Verstappen in Barcelona
Verstappen’s attempt to reclaim his position came after his Red Bull team—mistakenly, according to stewards—told him to give it back to Russell following an earlier incident.
The result? A collision at 140mph near the end of the race.
The Dutchman, a four-time world champion, later took responsibility for the contact.
He was slapped with a 10-second time penalty and docked three points on his super licence.
That dropped him to 10th place in the final standings, while Russell managed to finish fourth.
Verstappen Is Now One Step Away From a Race Ban
Here’s where things get serious: Verstappen’s super licence now holds 11 penalty points.
If he racks up just one more in the coming weeks, he’ll hit the dreaded 12-point threshold—triggering an automatic one-race ban.
Only one other driver in F1 history—Kevin Magnussen—has ever received such a suspension.
Russell didn’t mince words on that either.
“That’s why the system exists,” he said. “If you keep driving recklessly, you’re going to get a race ban. It’s in your own hands.”
Russell added that if Verstappen does end up banned, “it wouldn’t be unjust.”
All Eyes on Montreal
With the Canadian Grand Prix right around the corner, all eyes will be on Verstappen—not just for his driving, but for his discipline.
One wrong move and he could find himself watching the next race from the sidelines.
And with Russell clearly not backing down, this rivalry may be just heating up.
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