Max Verstappen and George Russell kneel side-by-side (Image: grandprixdriversassocation/Instagram)
and were spotted kneeling side by side in a photo taken after the final Grand Prix Drivers’ Association meeting of the season at the .
The two drivers have been wrapped up in a bitter feud that ignited after Verstappen stated that he has “lost all respect” for Russell as a result of the Brit’s actions in the stewards’ room after qualifying in Qatar last weekend.
Russell fired back in spectacular style in Abu Dhabi, labelling the four-time world champion a “bully” who “cannot deal with adversity”. Verstappen then flipped the accusations back at the driver, branding the Brit a “backstabber” and a “loser”.
The state of relations between the pair was made clear at the traditional end-of-season driver meal, which took place after Thursday’s media day commitments. Russell was reportedly the last driver to arrive, and his rivals had jokingly saved him a seat next to Verstappen.
Russell was reportedly cordial and acknowledged Verstappen’s presence, but took his seat down to the end of the table and seated himself next to team-mate .
However, when the drivers got together for the final GPDA meeting of the year, Verstappen and Russell were pictured alongside one another, front and centre in the group. Explaining this, co-chair Alexander Wurz told ORF that the other drivers requested that they stand side-by-side.
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Max Verstappen and George Russell have been warring off-track lately (Image: Getty)
While Verstappen’s initial comments in Qatar suggested that relations had been damaged beyond repair, the Dutchman’s comments in a fan zone ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP suggested that he is open to rekindling with Russell in the future.
“Honestly, of course we have our arguments,” Verstappen said. “I’m sure we’ll fix it again, but it’s good to have a little break. But I’m sure we’ll see each other in Monaco again, it’s all going to work out.”
If Russell does plan to smooth things over with Verstappen, team principal offered his advice to the 26-year-old. “We’re just focused on going racing, finishing off the season on a high note.
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“George had a bit of a rant yesterday. He was ranting in the car last weekend at his team for putting the wrong tyres on or whatever else. He’s obviously a bit wound up at the moment.”
He then added: “Rather than doing it through the media, or through you guys,” he said, “just go and have a conversation. Talk about it man-to-man, face-to-face. If you’ve got something to say, say it. And rather than ‘he said, she said,’ far better to address it that way.”