“That’s racing” - Russell stands firm on Verstappen Baku clash

George Russell says he won’t change the way he races after making contact with rival Max Verstappen during the sprint race in Azerbaijan last weekend.

The Mercedes driver’s three-corner tussle for third place after lights out left the two-time world champion with a gaping hole in his sidepod, and the Red Bull driver reacted angrily in the pit lane afterwards in a heated exchange that involved several, uh, unrepeatable words.

Verstappen’s view was that Russell had taken too much of a risk on the opening lap, although the British driver maintained he’d raced the Dutchman hard but fair.

The stewards deemed the collision a racing incident and neither driver was penalised.

Asked in the build-up to the Miami Grand Prix if he’d change how he races Verstappen in future, Russell responded: “No, I will continue racing the same way as I always would. A lot has been said about that coming together but from my side, it was pretty straightforward. I went for a move, got the move done and moved on.

“Obviously he was pretty upset about it but that’s racing and these things happen. And we're all here to fight so that's what everyone's about.

Verstappen eventually re-passed Russell for third place in the sprint, but the damage to the car meant he was unable to challenge teammate Sergio Perez or Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for the win.

Verstappen had been on course to claim the chequered flag in the grand prix the following day, but a safety car handed the lead to Perez and the Red Bull pair duly finished first and second.

Pressed on whether he’d need to clear the air with Verstappen, Russell replied: “No, again, from my side there's no air to be cleared. I'll welcome and say hello to him if he passes by and I'm sure we'll shake hands when we bump into each other. For me it's history now and it's behind us.

“Yeah, my view to him is still the same, I still respect him, I still think he's a great driver and obviously things were always said in the heat of the moment but yeah, we move on.”

Verstappen also sounded keen to move on, joking that his relationship with Russell was “terrible” before adding: “That’s what people maybe like to hear. But no, it's absolutely fine.”