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George Russell Reflects: ‘Masi Would Have Feared for His Life if Verstappen Lost in 2021’

Redação by Redação
December 6, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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George Russell Reflects: ‘Masi Would Have Feared for His Life if Verstappen Lost in 2021’

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Mercedes' George Russell ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

George Russell has reignited the controversy surrounding the infamous 2021 Formula 1 season finale, asserting that former Race Director Michael Masi would have faced unimaginable backlash had Max Verstappen lost the championship under similar circumstances to Lewis Hamilton.

The comments come amidst Russell’s ongoing spat with Verstappen following their Qatar Grand Prix clash, where Verstappen’s grid penalty for impeding Russell reignited old wounds and stirred up heated debates.


Russell: “Verstappen Has Been Enabled”

Russell attributed Verstappen’s fiery on- and off-track behavior to a lack of accountability, arguing that few have dared to challenge the Dutchman during his meteoric rise.

“I think he’s been enabled because nobody’s stood up to him. Lewis stood up to him in 2021, and Lewis lost that championship unfairly,” Russell stated.

Reflecting on the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen clinched his first championship in a dramatic and contentious finale, Russell speculated on the potential fallout if Verstappen had been on the losing side.

“Could you imagine the roles being reversed and Max losing that championship in the manner that Lewis lost? Masi would be fearing for his life,” Russell remarked, emphasizing the intensity of the Verstappen camp’s reactions.


Heat of the Moment or Deeper Frustration?

Russell acknowledged that Verstappen’s harsh comments toward him in Qatar may have stemmed from frustration in the heat of the moment. However, he noted a striking intensity in Verstappen’s demeanor during their subsequent meeting at the drivers’ parade.

“I knew that was a bit of a heat-of-the-moment thing. But when I went to see him the next day at the driver’s parade, I saw it in his eyes that he meant it,” Russell revealed.

Despite Verstappen’s status as a four-time world champion, Russell drew a sharp contrast between him and his Mercedes teammate, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

“He’s a four-time world champion! When I compare his actions to Lewis, Lewis is the sort of world champion who I aspire to be like,” Russell added, implying that Verstappen’s approach lacks the grace and poise Hamilton exhibits.


FIA Under Pressure as 2025 Looms

The fallout from 2021 and ongoing controversies in 2024 have continued to shine a spotlight on Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA. With persistent criticism over decision-making and rule enforcement, the organization is gearing up for significant changes ahead of the 2025 season, which promises to usher in new regulations and a refreshed framework for the sport.

For Russell, the stakes in F1 go beyond the battle for championships—it’s about setting a standard for the next generation.

“The actions of a champion matter,” Russell said. “And while the sport evolves, the values we uphold should remain unwavering.”

As the dust settles on a tumultuous 2024 season, the looming 2025 campaign presents an opportunity for redemption—for the FIA, for Russell, and perhaps even for Verstappen to rebuild some of the respect that’s been called into question.

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