Red Bull boss Christian Horner has backed Max Verstappen's denial of George Russell's allegations that the world champion threatened to “drive my head into the wall” ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The remarkable feud between two of the sport's best drivers erupted on Thursday ahead of the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Russell responded to Verstappen's criticism of his conduct during a stewards' hearing in Qatar that resulted in a penalty on the grid of the latter. .
Russell alleged that Verstappen, whose demotion one place left him starting behind the Mercedes driver on the front row, said: “I'm going to put you on your f***ing head into the wall.”
Speaking to Dutch media on Thursday after Russell's stunning series of interviews, Verstappen denied making the threat and said the Briton was “making things up”.
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Craig Slater took a closer look at how the fallout from the Qatar penalty intensified between George Russell and Max Verstappen after George called the Red Bull driver a 'bully'.
Horner was asked during Friday's team principals' press conference whether he believed Verstappen had said what Russell claimed.
“Max is just telling the truth, so I 100 percent believe what he said is accurate,” Horner said.
“Of course there were other people in those steward rooms as well. They also came back and said they were quite surprised at the approach taken (by Russell).”
In a separate interview with Sky Sports F1Horner added: “The thing about Max…He tells you straight, tells you like it is. He never lies, always tells you the truth.”
“I'd rather be a terrier than a wolf”
Verstappen eventually overtook Russell at the first corner before taking victory in Qatar, and after the race he said he had “lost all respect” for the Mercedes driver.
Verstappen was left aggrieved following the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying incident as he felt Russell had actively tried to have him penalized, and Horner supported this suggestion during an interview with Sky Sports F1 last weekend, when he called Russell's actions “hysterical.”
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After being described as a “yappy little terrier” by Mercedes' Toto Wolff, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has hit back at his fellow team principal.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who has been open about his desire to persuade Verstappen to leave Red Bull to join Mercedes in 2026, refused to criticize the four-time world champion but described Horner as a “yapping little terrier” in response to the words of his counterpart. comments on Russell.
Asked about Wolff's comments, Horner joked: “Is being called a terrier such a bad thing?”
“They're not afraid to take on the bigger dogs. I'd rather be a terrier than a wolf.”
Horner was ultimately keen to downplay the significance of the incident, pointing out that the timing of the incident, at the end of a tripleheader to conclude a grueling 24-race season, could be a factor.
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George Russell hit back at 'bully' Max Verstappen after Qatar penalty fallout, saying someone needs to stand up to Red Bull driver
“There's been a lot of talk about it. It's pantomime season,” Horner said.
“We are preparing for Christmas so there may be an element of end-of-year blues but I don't think that will have any effect on the Grand Prix itself.
Sky Sports F1 Abu Dhabi GP Live Schedule
Saturday December 7
8:10 a.m.: First F1 Academy race
10:15 a.m.: Practice 3 of the Abu Dhabi GP (session starts at 10:30 a.m.)
12:10 p.m.: F2 Sprint Race
1:15 p.m.: preparation for qualifying for the Abu Dhabi GP
2:00 p.m.: ABU DHABI GP QUALIFYING*
4 p.m.: F1 Academy: Second race
5 p.m.: Ted’s qualification log
Sunday December 8
7:10 a.m.: Third race of the F1 Academy
9:20 a.m.: F2 featured race
11:30 a.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Abu Dhabi GP
1 p.m.: The ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
3:00 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Abu Dhabi GP
4 p.m.: Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Watch the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday's race at 1pm. Get Sky Sports F1 or stream with NOW
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