Horner claims Russell “hysterical” amid Verstappen unhealthy blood

Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner has accused George Russell of being “hysterical” throughout the Qatar Grand Prix weekend after a falling out with Max Verstappen.

Verstappen revealed after victory on the Losail Worldwide Circuit that he had “misplaced all respect” for Mercedes driver Russell, who’s a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation, with the four-time world champion suggesting the Briton was two-faced after being penalised for driving unnecessarily slowly throughout Saturday’s qualifying session.

Russell was advantaged by a one-place grid penalty for the Dutchman, who felt the previous had made the many of the scenario each on observe and within the stewards’ room, although Verstappen in the end pounced on a poor begin from the Las Vegas Grand Prix winner to take the lead and finally take the victory.

It is not the primary time the duo have come to blows, with Verstappen irked by a transfer Russell made on the opening lap of the Azerbaijan dash race final 12 months and confronting him in parc ferme.

Requested whether or not his driver was wound up by the choice to demote him from pole, Horner mentioned: “Let’s simply say he wasn’t enamoured with the choice.

“It was a really unusual choice as a result of clearly, the circumstances of yesterday, each vehicles have been on gradual laps and I did really feel that George and Mercedes made a giant meal out of it.

“It was unprecedented on a gradual lap for Max to finish up with a one-place penalty.

“However he transformed the dirtiest aspect of the grid into certainly one of his finest begins of the 12 months and was completely decided that wherever George was going to brake, he was going to brake later and transformed that grid place into the lead by the top of Flip 1.”

It’s understood that Verstappen and Russell have been concerned in an alternate of phrases earlier than the beginning of Sunday’s race and with feelings excessive, Horner was requested whether or not he was involved tensions might stream over the sting on observe.

“Max, I believe he was disenchanted with it,” he defined. “I imply, for those who have a look at it objectively, one might argue that maybe George was driving a bit too rapidly on a gradual lap with two gradual vehicles forward of him.

“So perhaps he was driving recklessly. So , it was irritating to get that penalty. However yeah, he was already motivated to win this race and I believe it solely added to his enthusiasm to get off the road properly.”

Verstappen has been outspoken over penalties he has obtained this season, accusing stewards of bias in direction of British drivers by suggesting he does not have the proper passport for the paddock.

Put to Horner that this penalty was a case that backed that rhetoric, he insisted: “No, look, I believe the penalty was extra based mostly on hysterics from George, who has been fairly hysterical this weekend.

“However, , that is sadly… I believe there was a bit little bit of gamesmanship happening in that.”

Images from Qatar GP Race