Max Verstappen makes shock U-turn on George Russell feud after being branded a 'bully' by Mercedes driver

Max Verstappen has performed a shock U-turn after being embroiled in a bitter rivalry with George Russell to close out the Formula One season.

Four-time world champion Verstappen has gained a fair amount of enemies on the track over the years but he's been getting into it with Brit Russell of late, with the two trading jabs following an incident at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.

Verstappen said he had 'lost all respect' for Russell after the Red Bull driver received a one-place grid penalty, claiming his rival "tried to force a penalty on me" in the stewards' room and branding him a "loser".

Russell hit back in an explosive interview, calling Verstappen a "bully", and claiming the 27-year-old had said he would "purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and, quote, put me on my f***ing head".

The two were both present at the end of season drivers' dinner on Thursday night, with McLaren's Lando Norris making a light-hearted remark about their placement at the table.

In the traditional GPDA End of Season assembly photo, Verstappen and Russell were seen next to each other, which took many by surprise.

And though it's got incredibly heated between them in recent times, it appears Verstappen in particular has calmed down and believes they will patch things up.

Max Verstappen has been involved in heated war of words with George Russell. Image: Getty

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez were on stage and were asked which driver they would want to team up with if they were going paintballing.

The crowd chanted for Russell, which prompted Verstappen to reply: "He would be on the other team! No, I'm just kidding."

He then played down their rift, expressing confidence they would get back on good terms if they bump into one another in Monaco, where they both live.

"Honestly, of course we have our arguments," Verstappen explained.

"I’m sure we’ll fix it again, but it’s good to have a little break. I'm sure we'll see each other in Monaco again. It’s all going to work out."

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit at 1pm on Sunday and is the final race until March 2025 when the 2025 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix.