F1 is defined by its iconic and often dramatic rivalries. Ayrton Senna vs Alain Prost. Michael Schumacher vs Damon Hill. Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg. Nicholas Latifi vs the wall.

Hamilton and Verstappen collided on several occasions, from Silverstone to Saudi, and when the Brit lost his eighth world title on the last lap in Abu Dhabi their continued rivalry threatened dominate the current era of F1.

In 2022, Mercedes were no longer competitive and Verstappen’s reign began, with Hamilton unable to fight for a win until Silverstone in 2024.

F1 fans first received a hint of discord between Russell and Verstappen after a simple impeding incident exploded into a full-on slanging match in the media at the 2024 Qatar GP.

However, Verstappen proceeded to slam Russell’s conduct in the stewards room, accusing the Brit of ‘screwing him over’ and labelling him ‘two-faced’.

Meow!

The Dutchman received a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points for intentionally slamming into the side of Russell’s Mercedes, prompting a bewildered post-race interview from the Brit.

In the end, Verstappen did what Verstappen rarely does. Admitted blame. By the time they’d landed at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, they were back to being friends. Allegedly.

So, this is the last time we’re going to write about Russell and Verstappen’s feud, okay? Because, actually, it’s really rather childish!