Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has taken aim at George Russell following his dramatic incident with Max Verstappen at the Qatar Grand Prix.
After winning his fourth consecutive world title in Las Vegas the week before, Verstappen claimed pole position in the Qatar Grand Prix but started the race in second after receiving a one-place grid penalty for an incident with Russell during the final qualifying session.
The Dutch driver came back to win the race on Sunday, but has been outspoken about how Russell behaved while trying to get him penalised, claiming that he had lost all respect for the Brit who was a 'different person' behind closed doors.
And now, Red Bull boss Horner has spoken out about the incident, and he didn't hold back when speaking about Russell.
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Speaking after his driver secured his ninth win of the season, Horner said: “Yesterday’s penalty was more based on hysterics from George, who has been quite hysterical this weekend.”
“There was a little bit of gamesmanship going on in that.”
Had Verstappen finished second and the race and Russell had taken the victory, it would have made little difference to the standings in both the Drivers and Constructors championship, leaving some questioning why Russell was so adamant that his rival was punished.
But in the end it made no impact at all, as Verstappen overtook Russell in the opening corner of the race and ultimately finished in first while the Brit came fourth.
However, this didn't stop the champion from making his frustrations at Russell's behaviour known as, even after reportedly confronting Russell during the pre-race drivers parade, Verstappen revealed to the media his feelings about the incident.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay after the race, he said: “I have a lot of respect for a lot of drivers, but after last night I completely lost that respect for him [Russell].
"I just thought it was ridiculous how he tried to force a penalty on me.
"And I was heavily pissed at him for that. He always does it very nicely here in front of the camera, but then when you’re inside with him in person, it’s just a different person.
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes
Ben McCrum