F1 Legend Slams Max Verstappen & George Russell’s Heated 2024 Spat as ‘Sad’ and ‘Not Pretty’
The Formula 1 2024 season wasn’t just about dramatic finishes and electrifying races. It also featured an intense off-track feud between Max Verstappen and George Russell, which drew criticism from Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen. Kristensen, a nine-time Le Mans winner, has expressed disappointment in how the quarrel played out, calling it “sad” and “just not pretty.”
How It All Began
The tension between Verstappen and Russell erupted during the Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen was penalized for driving too slowly on a cooldown lap during qualifying, which Russell called “dangerous” after nearly colliding with him. The incident escalated when Verstappen accused Russell of attempting to “screw” him over, leading to a heated exchange of words.
Their feud didn’t stop there. By the time the F1 circus reached Abu Dhabi, Russell and Verstappen were still trading jabs. Russell even refused to sit next to Verstappen at the season-ending drivers’ dinner, choosing to move his seat several places down the table. The drama gained further traction as Toto Wolff, Russell’s Mercedes team boss, weighed in during media day, intensifying the narrative.
Kristensen’s Critique: Both Sides to Blame
Tom Kristensen, one of motorsport’s most respected figures, believes both drivers were at fault for letting their disagreement spiral out of control. Speaking to F1Maximaal.co.uk, Kristensen said:
“Sometimes you can just refuse to respond or shake your head and let it go. It all got a bit out of hand. Mistakes were made on both sides, but nobody accepts something as a mistake in Formula 1. They keep pointing fingers.”
Kristensen emphasized that the squabble detracted from the sport itself, saying, “I love to hear the engines. That’s what I like! They should show it on the track instead of in the media. Let the cars make the noise.”
He further criticized both Verstappen and Russell for exaggerating the situation, saying their actions reflected poorly on their professionalism.
Missed Opportunities for Leadership
Kristensen, like many fans, expected Verstappen to rise above the conflict, especially given his status as a four-time World Champion. The Dutchman dominated the 2024 season and had nothing to prove in the quarrel. Kristensen remarked:
“I would have liked Max to say after Qatar, ‘I beat you in the race, I won.’ He didn’t need to say anything else. Overreacting wasn’t necessary.”
The Danish racing legend added that Russell, too, could have handled the situation more gracefully, avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
Bridging the Divide
While the fallout from the Qatar Grand Prix left a sour taste, Verstappen recently revealed that he and Russell have since spoken, smoothing over tensions. “We spoke briefly after the race in Abu Dhabi,” Verstappen told Kleine Zeitung. “That’s okay, we’ll start again next year, and that will be fine.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the dust settling on the 2024 F1 season, both Verstappen and Russell have an opportunity to reset as the grid prepares for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March. While rivalries bring excitement to the sport, fans and experts alike hope that the focus will shift back to racing rather than verbal sparring.
