Purple Bull boss Christian Horner has backed Max Verstappen in denying George Russell’s accusations that the world champion threatened to “bang my head in opposition to the wall” forward of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The feud between the 2 high drivers erupted on Thursday forward of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Russell responding to Verstappen’s criticism of his conduct throughout an arbitration listening to in Qatar. , inflicting the latter to obtain a beginning penalty.
Russell claimed Verstappen mentioned: “I’ll put your head in opposition to the wall.” Verstappen was demoted one place behind the Mercedes driver on the entrance row.
Talking to Dutch media on Thursday, Verstappen denied the risk and mentioned the Briton “made issues up” after a sequence of stunning interviews with Russell.
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Craig Slater takes a more in-depth have a look at how George Russell and Max Verstappen fare in Qatar penalty shootout after George branded Purple Bull driver a ‘bully’ improve.
Horner was requested at Friday’s workforce principal’s press convention if he believed what Verstappen mentioned Russell mentioned.
“Max has achieved nothing however inform the reality, so I consider what he mentioned is 100% correct,” Horner mentioned.
“In fact, there have been different individuals in these housekeepers’ rooms. Additionally they got here again and reported that they had been very shocked by the method (Russell) took.”
in a separate interview Sky Sports activities F1Horner added: “The factor about Max… he tells you straight up, tells you want it’s. He by no means lies, at all times tells you the reality.”
“I would somewhat be a beagle than a wolf”
Verstappen ultimately overtook Russell on the first nook earlier than successful at Qatar, saying after the race that he had “misplaced all respect” for the Mercedes driver.
Verstappen felt aggrieved after the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying incident as a result of he believed Russell was actively attempting to get him punished, a suggestion that Horner additionally supported in an interview. Sky Sports activities F1 Over the weekend, he described Russell’s conduct as “hysterical.”
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Purple Bull boss Christian Horner has hit again at his workforce principal after being described by Mercedes’ Toto Wolff as a “barking beagle”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who has been vocal about his want to influence Verstappen to depart Purple Bull for Mercedes in 2026, refused to criticize the four-time world champion however described Horner as “a canine”. Barking beagle” in response to his opponent’s feedback about Russell.
When requested about Wolfe’s feedback, Horner quipped: “Being known as a terrier, is {that a} unhealthy factor?
“They are not afraid of attacking larger canine. I would somewhat be a terrier than a wolf.”
Horner was finally eager to downplay the importance of the incident, declaring that it occurred on the finish of a three-match sequence may have been a think about ending a grueling 24-game season.
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George Russell hits again at ‘bully’ Max Verstappen after Qatar penalty shootout, says somebody wants to face as much as Purple Bull driver
“Loads has been achieved. It is pantomime season,” Horner mentioned.
“We’re making ready for Christmas so there could also be a component of end-of-term blues, however I don’t assume it can have any impression on the Grand Prix itself.”
Sky Sports activities F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix dwell schedule
Saturday, December 7
8.10am: F1 Academy first race
10.15am: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix apply three (begins at 10.30am)
12.10pm: F2 Dash Race
1.15pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying preparations
2pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying*
4pm: F1 Academy: Race 2
5pm: Ted’s Qualification Pocket book
Sunday, December 8
7.10am: F1 Academy Race 3
9.20am: F2 Particular Race
11.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preparations
1pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
3pm: Checkered Flag: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Reactions
4pm: Ted’s Pocket book
* Additionally broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities Essential Occasion
Watch the ultimate race of the 2024 System 1 season – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – dwell on Sky Sports activities F1, Sunday at 1pm. Get Sky Sports F1 or live stream with NOW
