Rosberg issues warning to Verstappen ahead of Canadian GP start alongside Russell

2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg has claimed that although Max Verstappen will need to proceed with caution as he starts the Canadian Grand Prix beside pole sitter Mercedes driver George Russell, he doesn’t believe he will.

Verstappen heads into the Canadian Grand Prix just one penalty point away from a race ban. Considering this risk, the possibility of the four-time champion altering his driving style for the race in Montreal has been a popular discussion point this weekend.

As Verstappen is set to start from second on the grid alongside Russell on pole, Rosberg insists the Dutchman will have to be “super careful,” especially as his British rival “has nothing to lose.”

“Of course, he needs to be super careful. And that’s advantage George Russell. He can just lean right in there because he has nothing to lose really. He’s not in the championship hunt. Verstappen still is a little bit, so Verstappen is the one who would need to be, in theory, a little bit careful.

“We know he’s not going to be careful at all. I think it will make zero difference to him. Having 11 penalty points or 0 penalty points – no difference at all to him. He will do the same as always.”

Danica Patrick, Rosberg’s co-presenter on Sky Sports F1 this weekend, added, “You can’t change your instincts. It’s just one of those things as a driver, and one of those things that’s natural to Max.

“I feel like we’ve seen this time and time again with him. When drama comes up and things are going on, he moves on pretty quickly. So here he is saying, ‘Can we just move on? I’m so bored of hearing about this.’ Actually, he didn’t say that, but I’m not gonna say what he’s saying.”

Russell himself couldn’t resist making a jab at Verstappen during his televised post-qualifying interview. 

“We are mates, it’s all good! I’ve got a few more points on my licence to play with. Let’s see,” he explained when asked how he felt about starting on the front row with Verstappen.