AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Max Verstappen Slams George Russell Over Qatar GP Qualifying Penalty: ‘I’ve Lost All Respect’

Publisher by Publisher
December 4, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Max Verstappen Slams George Russell Over Qatar GP Qualifying Penalty: ‘I’ve Lost All Respect’

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 30, 2024 Red Bull's Max Verstappen after qualifying in pole position along with second placed Mercedes' George Russell REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Max Verstappen launched a stinging rebuke at George Russell after being handed a controversial qualifying penalty that cost him pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver, demoted to second for driving unnecessarily slowly during qualifying, accused Russell of deliberately pushing for the penalty and said he had “lost all respect” for the Mercedes driver.


A Penalty That Sparked Outrage

The incident occurred during Q3, when Verstappen was on a slow lap and Russell approached at high speed to prepare for a flying lap. Russell was forced off the track to avoid Verstappen, later questioning if the near-miss caused damage to his car. Verstappen’s penalty dropped him to second, though he quickly reclaimed the lead by passing Russell into Turn 1 on his way to a dominant race victory.

Despite the win, Verstappen remained incensed by the incident and its aftermath.

“Honestly, very disappointing,” Verstappen said post-race. “I’ve been in that meeting room many times in my career, and I’ve never seen someone trying to screw someone over that hard. I’ve lost all respect.”


Verstappen’s Side of the Story

Verstappen explained that his actions during the lap were intended to avoid disrupting others preparing for their runs. He said he knew he wasn’t on a flying lap and deliberately moved to the side to stay out of the way.

“I just tried to be nice,” Verstappen said. “Because we’re at the end of the season, everything is more or less decided for me. I didn’t want to screw anyone over preparing their lap.”

However, Verstappen argued that his attempt to be considerate backfired, calling the penalty unprecedented and suggesting it sets a dangerous precedent.

“This is the first time someone has been penalized for something like this on a slow lap,” Verstappen said. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe it, but I’m also not surprised anymore in the world that I live in.”


Russell’s Role and the GPDA Tension

Verstappen reserved his sharpest criticism for Russell, who chairs the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) and raised the issue during qualifying.

“It wasn’t very enjoyable to see that happen,” Verstappen added. “I felt like I was talking to a brick wall in the stewards’ room. I had valid reasons, but it didn’t seem to matter. I was trying to avoid chaos, but instead, I got penalized for it.”

Russell, meanwhile, had argued that Verstappen’s actions compromised his qualifying performance and questioned whether the incident played a role in Verstappen’s initial pole-winning pace.


Verstappen’s Focus Turns to the Future

Despite his frustration, Verstappen insisted he was ready to move on and focus on Abu Dhabi, where Red Bull hopes to end the season on a high.

“You’re not happy with it, but at one point, you just have to turn the page,” Verstappen said. “The last few races have been competitive for us, and I’m looking forward to finishing strong.”


Conclusion: A Controversy That Won’t Be Forgotten

The Qatar GP penalty controversy has reignited tensions between Verstappen and Russell, underscoring the high stakes and intense rivalries in Formula 1. While Verstappen ultimately emerged victorious in the race, his sharp words highlight deeper issues within the paddock as the season draws to a close.

As the focus shifts to Abu Dhabi, Verstappen’s fiery remarks and the fallout from Qatar are sure to remain talking points in the F1 community.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

FIA unleashes shock ban on engine innovation: 2027 regulations spark fierce debate in F1
Motorsports

FIA unleashes shock ban on engine innovation: 2027 regulations spark fierce debate in F1

FIA's Controversial Engine Regulations: A Game-Changer for 2027! In a stunning revelation that could shake the foundations of Formula 1...

by Simon Monroy
February 17, 2026
Aston Martin faces staggering crisis as Lance Stroll mocks team’s dismal performance in Bahrain tests
Motorsports

Aston Martin faces staggering crisis as Lance Stroll mocks team’s dismal performance in Bahrain tests

Aston Martin's Dismal Debut: Stroll's Sarcastic Take on Team's Struggles In a shocking twist of fate, Aston Martin finds itself...

by Carl Smith
February 17, 2026
Max Verstappen eyes legendary 24h Nürburgring challenge: can he conquer endurance racing?
Motorsports

Max Verstappen eyes legendary 24h Nürburgring challenge: can he conquer endurance racing?

Getty Images

by Publisher
February 17, 2026
Cadillac defies norms to forge its own F1 destiny: a bold move against Haas’ strategy
Motorsports

Cadillac defies norms to forge its own F1 destiny: a bold move against Haas’ strategy

Cadillac's Bold F1 Strategy: Seizing Control of Their Racing Future While Defying the Norm In a dramatic twist in the...

by Simon Monroy
February 17, 2026

Recent News

FIA unleashes shock ban on engine innovation: 2027 regulations spark fierce debate in F1

FIA unleashes shock ban on engine innovation: 2027 regulations spark fierce debate in F1

February 17, 2026
Aston Martin faces staggering crisis as Lance Stroll mocks team’s dismal performance in Bahrain tests

Aston Martin faces staggering crisis as Lance Stroll mocks team’s dismal performance in Bahrain tests

February 17, 2026
Max Verstappen eyes legendary 24h Nürburgring challenge: can he conquer endurance racing?

Max Verstappen eyes legendary 24h Nürburgring challenge: can he conquer endurance racing?

February 17, 2026
Cadillac defies norms to forge its own F1 destiny: a bold move against Haas’ strategy

Cadillac defies norms to forge its own F1 destiny: a bold move against Haas’ strategy

February 17, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.