Max Verstappen has been heavily criticised at times this season (Image: Getty)
believes that has ‘ramped up the aggression’ and started ‘playing the victim’ recently, labelling as ‘the only one brave enough’ to take the fight to the four-time world champion.
The 2024 season has been a mixed one for Verstappen. While he claimed his fourth successive Drivers’ Championship crown in Las Vegas, the 27-year-old has been criticised for the treatment of his team in Hungary, and for his aggressive defensive driving in Austin and Mexico City.
These moments were called out by Russell ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi after Verstappen ignited a tense row in the aftermath of his ninth victory of the season in Qatar. The Brit labelled his rival a “bully” and believes that he “cannot deal with adversity” in F1.
Offering his thoughts on the war of words, Sky Sports F1 pundit Brundle said: “How I see this is that Max has ramped up the aggression on the track and ramped up playing the victim off the track – and it’s working.“He’s got everyone on the run, he’s got everyone on edge, whether it’s media, whether it’s other teams, particularly other drivers, and it’s how he goes about his racing.
“We know he’s always been aggressive on the race track and I think he’s seen ‘I can basically say what I want and get away with what I want’. He knows the rulebook, he knows how to control his car – he’s brilliant at controlling his car in wheel-to-wheel situations – and every time he does it, it plays out for him.”
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Martin Brundle has weighed in on the big paddock debate (Image: Getty)
Brundle went on to add: “George is the only one brave enough to do it with Max at the moment. Everybody else has withered. The FIA should be getting involved in this and sorting it out if they weren’t busy trying to sort themselves out.
“I do believe there should be more involvement. I’ve said for years I don’t understand how drivers can be best mates, social media loves and race wheel to wheel on track. It can’t work out.”
More F1… [DRAMA]
Verstappen and Russell weren’t the only ones quarrelling as the on-track action got underway at the Yas Marina Circuit. Team principals and also got in on the action, with the latter labelling his rival a “yapping little terrier”.
Asked about Wolff’s comments, Horner laughed off the “terrier” comparison, expressing his love for the dog breed, before describing the mudslinging as part of the F1 paddock “pantomime”.