In a dramatic escalation of tensions, George Russell revealed a shocking fallout within Red Bull following Max Verstappen’s controversial behavior during a race earlier this season. According to Russell, Verstappen’s actions during the Hungarian Grand Prix allegedly triggered an internal exodus, with over 25% of Red Bull engineers exploring opportunities with rival teams like Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin.
Russell: Verstappen “Loses the Plot” Without the Fastest Car
Russell’s comments come amid an already fiery rivalry between the two drivers. The Briton claimed Verstappen struggles to maintain composure when not driving the fastest car on the grid, pointing to the Hungarian Grand Prix as a prime example.
“I’m not questioning his driving abilities one single bit,” Russell said. “But the second he doesn’t have the fastest car—take Budapest as an example—he crashes into Lewis [Hamilton], slams his whole team, and loses the plot.”
During the race, Verstappen collided with Hamilton, costing Red Bull a podium finish and prompting sharp criticism from the Dutchman directed at his own team.
Engineer Exodus: Fallout from Budapest
Russell went on to allege that Verstappen’s behavior after the race caused a significant rift within Red Bull. He claimed over a quarter of the team’s engineering staff began seeking jobs elsewhere.
“Straight away after that race, 25% of his engineering team were sending their CVs to Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin,” Russell stated. “They said they can’t deal with a guy like that.”
These claims, if true, shed light on potential cracks in Red Bull’s dominant facade and raise questions about the team’s internal dynamics amid pressure.
Stewards’ Room Tensions: Russell vs. Verstappen
The drama between Russell and Verstappen extends beyond Budapest. Russell accused Verstappen of losing his temper during a stewards’ meeting earlier in the season, claiming the Dutchman was already fuming before Russell even had a chance to speak.
“It’s funny, because even before I said a word in the stewards, he was swearing at them,” Russell said. “He was so angry before I’d even spoken. At the end of the day, there’s nothing to lie about.”
A Turbulent 2024 Season
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for both drivers, marked by fierce competition on the track and off-track controversies. Verstappen, despite securing the Drivers’ Championship early, has faced criticism for his volatile reactions in high-pressure moments. Russell, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the most vocal challengers to Verstappen’s dominance.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Both Russell and Verstappen will continue with their respective teams into the 2025 season, setting the stage for more clashes between the rivals. As Formula 1 undergoes significant personnel changes across the grid, the dynamic between the two drivers will remain a focal point in the coming season.
