One of the differences between modern Formula 1 and previous generations of drivers is the relationship between the racers away from the track.
The 2025 F1 grid might be closer than any group ever has been before, as the sport is a long way from Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard almost fighting in the pit lane after coming together at Spa.
However, it wouldn’t take much for that to change this season.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed last year, with the Dutchman penalised on several occasions for his overly aggressive driving.
Team orders are likely to play a key role up and down the paddock and the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari will be particularly fascinating if the Scuderia have the fastest car on the grid.
However, the biggest feud that took place last season was between Verstappen and George Russell.
Russell and Verstappen’s war of words could continue into 2025 with both Red Bull and Mercedes likely to be near the front of the grid and the pair expected to be the clear number one drivers within their pairings.
F1 bosses reportedly want Russell and Verstappen’s battle to continue this year, but in an interview with Ziggo Sport, former F1 driver Gijs van Lennep thinks there’s only going to be one winner in that battle.
Gijs van Lennep accuses George Russell of being the ‘biggest crook of all time’ in Formula 1
Van Lennep was previewing next season and asked about the Mercedes driver.
He didn’t hide his feelings about the 26-year-old and said: “Also when you have Russell, you think: that’s a nice guy, with no beard. That’s a neat guy.
“But that’s the biggest crook of all time, behind everyone’s back. He should get a hefty yellow card once.
READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height
“Despite him behaving so nicely, and [people] just think he does everything right and Max doesn’t, you name it all. I think it’s a guy they should take a crack at.
“He’ll get a beating this year, you know. It will be something this year.”
| Grand Prix (starts) | 10 (8 starts) |
| Points | 2 |
| First race | 1971 Dutch Grand Prix |
| Last race | 1975 German Grand Prix |
| Teams | S.A.N., Williams, Ensign |
| Best qualifying | 20th (1973 Dutch GP) |
| Best race | 6th (1973 Dutch GP, 1975 German GP) |
Van Lennep has his say on new rules that could see F1 drivers suspended for swearing
Another big talking point going into 2025 is the changing rules surrounding drivers and the language they use.
Verstappen was penalised for swearing during the pre-race press conference in Singapore and was ordered to carry out community service in Rwanda ahead of the FIA’s prize-giving gala in December.
From next year, drivers could receive larger fines or even be handed a one-race ban should they be found guilty of breaching the FIA’s new rules around swearing.
When asked about the changes, van Lennep said: “I think it’s a pity, you get tired of it, but it’s different people interpreting the rules differently each time.
READ MORE: Damon Hill issues five-word reaction to George Russell’s bullying claim against Max Verstappen
“That’s just the way it is.
“I think that’s such nonsense [regarding the potential swearing penalties].
“Everyone is allowed to say everything, and then suddenly you are not allowed to say that. Then suddenly you’re not allowed to say f— you, or this or that. It’s a difficult problem.
“For me, it’s fine to say something now and then, but they shouldn’t start ridiculing each other.”
It would be a huge surprise if any driver does end up receiving a ban for multiple instances of swearing, but as Kevin Magnussen will explain, it doesn’t take much for penalty points to quickly accumulate.
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