Max Verstappen reacted furiously on Saturday after being passed by George Russell on the first lap of the sprint race in Azerbaijan. The Dutchman asked his team to “inform” the Mercedes star, the duo touched each other as they competed for position.
While Verstappen qualified third and Russell fourth in Saturday’s first shootout, it wasn’t long before the pair faced off when the race started later that day. The Mercedes star made a better start on the line, which produced an exciting war in the first 3 corners in Baku.
Things came to a turning point at Turn 3, when Russell kept his cool and the line to pass Verstappen, forcing the two-time reigning world champion to run dangerously close to the wall and appeared to graze his left front tyre as he passed.
Verstappen was told on team radio that others had more to lose than him, but still reacted angrily by shouting: “He tagged me, that’s how he got the job. Report it. “
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Russell escaped without FIA punishment and remained in third position when the race restarted, after a protective car was due to the loss of a tire from Yuki Tsunoda. Commenting on the incident, Sky Sports expert Karun Chandhok said: .
“It’s on the edge. I can see why Max is a little upset, but I think George will get away with it. We saw debris flying out of the car. It may have just been the Mercedes wing or anything from Red Bull. “
Verstappen himself disagreed as he continued furious on the team radio. “Did it hit the side of my car? He asked. ” I don’t perceive how it can stay in the position and damage my car. I think it’s ridiculous. “
The Red Bull star would finally have the final say in overtaking Russell without delay after the race restarted, and without delay congratulated via a message on the team’s radio, which began: “Good job, Max. Well done. No contact too. “
Verstappen was unable to fire a sneak shot at the Englishman and replied: “yeah, I know how to do that. ” after the checkered flag.
In his fierce post-race interview, Verstappen made it clear that he is still eager to overtake, which left his Red Bull with significant damage to the pontoons.