The Formula 1 season in 2024 looked as if Red Bull were going to dominate after taking consecutive one-two finishes in the opening couple of rounds.
McLaren caught up and usurped Red Bull towards the end of the year to win their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.
This was a very impressive feat, starting so far behind in Bahrain and creating the quickest car at most races this season.
Ferrari were also very competitive at times, and Charles Leclerc took victory at Monaco and the Italian Grand Prix in two impressive drives.
The Italian team were consistent and maximised the points finishes when a victory or podium finish was out of reach.
Justin Bell explained that two drivers going into the off-season were petulant at times this season, and a lesser-known side of them moved into the picture.
George Russell and Max Verstappen were ‘infantile’ at the end of the season
George Russell and Max Verstappen sparked a rivalry at the Qatar Grand Prix in qualifying when the Dutchman received a one-place grid drop for the race.
He drove too slowly, which then blocked the Mercedes driver at the Lusail International Circuit and there was a tense meeting in the stewards room afterwards.
READ MORE: Eddie Jordan pinpoints the ‘great opportunity’ George Russell just missed to end Max Verstappen feud
There was more tension in the media prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Russell was told to copy Kevin Magnussen’s direct approach to similar issues.
Bell explained on the Drive to Wynn YouTube channel that Formula 1 can showcase the worst in people at times when the pressure is high.
He said: “George Russell and Max Verstappen, they’ve had their tiff going into the off-season, so will absence make the heart grow fonder? I’m not sure about that.
“I hope they can reconcile it because it’s all a bit infantile. But the hot pressure cooking pot of Formula 1 does bring out sometimes the worst in people. But when it comes to it, it’s all about on track, rival for them.”
George Russell is one of the few drivers that confronted Max Verstappen
Russell didn’t shy away from Verstappen over the final couple of rounds this season and the Dutchman has been able to have an advantage over many on the grid.
He has come out on top in wheel-to-wheel combat multiple times this year. In particular, against Lando Norris, who can accept being second to Verstappen.
Piastri had a similar approach to Russell on the circuit and didn’t let Verstappen pass him easily at the start in Abu Dhabi.
Heading into 2025, drivers, including Russell, may need to fight fire with fire against Verstappen to get on terms with him if the car is good enough.
