Verstappen defends Russell after their battle
For a long time stuck behind George Russell, primarily due to his DRS issue, Max Verstappen considered that the young British driver had done nothing that deserved a penalty.
Winner of the race, Max Verstappen did not have the most peaceful race. This was largely due to an electrifying George Russell just ahead of him, who managed to hold off the Red Bull of number 1 for many laps.
Lap 24, the DRS remains open for Red Bull and Max Verstappen dives inside at the first corner. Just when everyone thinks the overtake is done, the Mercedes emerges on the outside of the Red Bull and George Russell manages to reclaim his position with this splendid defense.
But in the long right turn that follows, turn 3, Russell finds himself on the inside and slightly forces Verstappen onto the green part behind the white line on the outside of the turn. A maneuver that the Dutchman himself does not find scandalous. Thankfully, nothing happened [with the FIA]. I mean, there was some grip on the outside, so I agree with that. I think it was tough racing.
Well, of course, I went outside but I was also in George’s blind spot, so I don’t think he even really noticed where exactly I was, right? Well, obviously he knew I was there, but it’s always difficult to leave the entire width of a car in this turn because it’s a fast turn, you drift towards the outside.
« So if I had been in George’s position, I would have probably done the same thing, so that’s how we are, I think. »
