George Russell reignites Max Verstappen feud and explains 'bully' claims ahead of 2025 F1 season

Mercedes star George Russell has spoken about his war of words with Max Verstappen ahead of the 2025 season.

During the final few races of the 2024 campaign, Russell and Verstappen slammed each other in public after their incident at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen was handed a grid penalty and had one point added to his super license after being accused of driving too slowly in preparation for his fast lap during qualifying by Russell.

A week later, the pair's feud escalated at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Verstappen slammed Russell, calling him a 'loser' in yet another explosive interview.

The Mercedes star then hit back with his own jibe as he branded the four-time world champion a 'bully'.

Last month, Verstappen made clear that he had 'no intention' to carry on the beef with Russell.

The Dutchman said prior to the F1 75 event in London: "I have no intention of continuing any kind of beef in February. I have nothing to say about that subject."

However, with the 2025 season just over a week away, Russell has spoken about Verstappen again.

George Russell explains Max Verstappen feud ahead of 2025 season

Speaking to the BBC, the 27-year-old said: "You know, I wasn't going to just stand and be bullied around. People seem to always back down to him (Max Verstappen).

"That's just not how I go about my business. It wasn't exactly purely because it's Max. If anybody would have spoken to me like that inside or outside of F1, that's the approach I would take."

Russell added: "I don't really have any approach with Max on or off track, because for me he's just another racing driver.

"Obviously we had our disagreements last year and it was a shame it played out that way."

George Russell and Max Verstappen made headlines during the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. Image: Getty

In a previous interview, Russell stated that he didn't speak to Verstappen over the winter break and will not be doing so in the near future.

He said: "I've got no intentions [to], to be honest.

"That happened last year. I want to focus on myself. Things got out of line last year. That was then. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that's for sure."

The Mercedes driver continued: "No concerns about him or his driving. I am not going to change my approach fighting him or other drivers."

Russell will head into the 2025 season with a boost of confidence after finishing at the top of the standings in the final testing session in Bahrain last week.

F1 returns with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park, Melbourne, on March 16.