Max Verstappen and George Russell’s current feud is one of the hottest topics in Formula 1 currently, and it has everyone talking about a potential rivalry between the two.
They have known each other from a young age, driven for the two most dominant teams in recent history, but are yet to fight each other for championships.
2025 could be the year that Mercedes and Red Bull come to blows again, particularly if relations between Verstappen and Russell fail to improve.
A Qatar Grand Prix qualifying incident sparked an argument between the two which is still burning nearly one week later, but how did it all kick off in the first place?
Max Verstappen ‘upset’ over unusual George Russell action
After being held up by Verstappen on a warm-up lap in Q3, Russell felt passionate enough about the issue to head to the steward’s room and argue the case himself.
That’s pretty unusual for a Formula 1 driver to do, but clearly, he felt strongly enough about the incident to feel that his Dutch rival warranted a penalty.
READ MORE: James Hinchcliffe details part of Max Verstappen’s ‘extreme’ approach to George Russell rant which is acceptable
He was dealt a rare one-place grid drop, but it left a sour taste in the reigning champions’ mouth and has sparked chaos since.
Speaking on the Red Flag podcast, Guenther Steiner explained why he thinks Verstappen was so bothered by the incident.
“Normally the drivers, they are not arguing. They are giving evidence basically, and the arguing is happening with the team managers. The team managers take the stand for the team.
“Max was surprised and upset because that is what they normally don’t do the drivers. They are not going in there to [screw] another driver over because they know.
“They are out on the track together, so why would you make your enemy? Let your boys [team manager] do the fighting. You’re just there to support them.”
Could the Verstappen vs Russell fight kick off further?
Fascinatingly for fans, this weekend marks the final race of the 2024 season, including a world championship that is being fought for between McLaren and Ferrari.
While that should dominate the headlines, watch out for both Verstappen and Russell who could come to blows on track.
Their Red Bull and Mercedes teams have virtually nothing but pride to fight for and will be free to be as aggressive as they like.
READ MORE: Guenther Steiner shares what Sergio Perez ‘should’ do if he loses his Red Bull F1 seat for 2025
Setting the tone early for 2025 could be on the agenda, with both eager to fight for the championship – renewing a rivalry which has been quiet for the past three seasons.
Add the other two teams into the mix, and next year could be set up to be one of the best seasons in Formula 1 history – just in time for the technical regulations to come in and shake everything up again!
