Azerbaijan GP: Formula 1: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was furious with Mercedes driver George Russell after being involved in a collision during the Azerbaijan sprint. The incident occurred on the first lap of the race, with Russell’s Mercedes car making contact with Verstappen’s RB19 as they entered Turn 2. The clash caused damage to the sidepod of Verstappen’s car, but he managed to finish in third place. Follow Formula 1 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Verstappen had started the sprint race from the third position on the grid, and immediately faced pressure from Russell. The intense battle between them in the first three corners resulted in Russell attempting an inside pass at Turn 3, clipping the reigning world champion in the process.
After the race, Verstappen lambasted Russell’s actions over the team radio and confronted him in parc ferme. Russell explained that he had no grip and was locking up, but Verstappen was not satisfied with the explanation. The Dutch driver believed that Russell took too much risk on Lap 1 and understeered into his sidepod, creating a hole.
Verstappen’s frustration was evident as he spoke to the media after the race. He stated that he did not understand why Russell needed to take so much risk on Lap 1 and criticized his explanation for the incident.
When asked if the situation had been resolved with Russell, an angered Verstappen replied, “No, it’s not clarified. I fail to comprehend why you would take such risks, understeer into my sidepod, and create a gaping hole.”
George and Max have a tense post-Sprint debrief over their Lap 1 contact 😅#AzerbaijanGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/TjtwOyu5ff
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 29, 2023
Despite the damage to his car, Verstappen managed to secure six points for finishing third in the sprint race. He will start the Grand Prix from second place, behind pole-sitter Charles Leclerc.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez overcame rival Charles Leclerc to win the Sprint in Baku on Saturday.
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