Max Verstappen and George Russell are ready to put the tensions of 2024 in the rearview mirror and focus on racing as the 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off. After a heated end to last year, the duo now focus solely on-track performance, not their past squabbles.
When probed about his previous clashes with Russell, Verstappen quickly shut down any animosity between the pair.
“Honestly, I have no intention to continue any kind of beef in February,” Verstappen said at the F1 75 event. “I’m still enjoying my time away from Formula 1 and just getting ready for the season, so I have honestly nothing to say about that subject.”
The rivalry between Verstappen and Russell broke out late in the 2024 season, at the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. In Qatar, Russell’s report on Verstappen’s alleged blocking led to a grid penalty, sparking frustration from the Dutchman.
The tension escalated at the Abu Dhabi, where Russell accused Verstappen of making threats of deliberate contact, leading to a war of words both on and off the track. The Briton called Verstappen a “bully” on track.
Speaking about the same topic, Russell addressed their history but maintained that his focus remains on the championship:
“We haven’t spoken, no concerns about him or his driving, or anything that’s happened last year, and I want to focus on myself.”
The Briton added, “Obviously, things I felt got out of line at the end of last year and made it pretty clear that I’m not going to kind of take it. But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job, and the job is to win. So, I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him, fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”
Verstappen and Russell speak out against the swearing ban
Aside from their personal rivalry, both drivers have had to contend with another off-track debate, the FIA’s newly implemented crackdown on swearing. The controversial rule introduces hefty fines and even suspensions for repeated offences, a move that has left many drivers frustrated. Verstappen, who faced community service for his language in 2024, didn’t hold back on his thoughts.
“Well, I’m not going to speak for everyone, but I think everyone is quite on the same direction with that,” Verstappen said.
“Of course, I understand that you cannot always swear everywhere you go, right? I think we all understand that as racing drivers, but sometimes in the heat at the moment, or when you get interviewed, when you’re in your car and you’ve just had an adrenaline rush, sometimes things slip out a little bit.”
Verstappen dismissed the crackdown, arguing that swearing is common in sports and shouldn’t be overblown. He added that he wouldn’t dictate how others should behave.
The Dutchman questioned the FIA’s handling of the situation, calling for a more collaborative approach. He said:
“No. But I don’t know. It’s a complicated matter, I would say. I always share my opinion. And as I say, now it’s just a bit much. It was not necessary to put it fully written down like that.
“I think it’s important that we can have a proper discussion about this, but we also need help from others, from teams, promoters, because we’re all in this together at the end of the day.”
The 2025 season kicked off with a grand livery reveal at the O2 Arena, bringing all teams together before the fans. Last year’s feud is behind them as Verstappen and Russell concentrate on the new season.
