Max Verstappen was involved in an incident 'off camera' with George Russell, but it was spotted by a Formula 1 reporter.
Verstappen and Russell have had a fractious relationship over the past year, marked by several high-profile clashes between the pair.
At last year's Qatar Grand Prix, the Briton accused the Dutchman of 'crossing a line' following a dispute over Verstappen's slow driving during a cooldown lap in qualifying.
Their tensions continued into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, as the Red Bull driver labelled Russell a 'loser' and a 'liar'.
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In June's Spanish Grand Prix, the two made contact into the first turn following a safety car restart.
Verstappen accepted responsibility for the incident and was handed a 10-second time penalty.
Although the relationship between the pair appears tense, one Formula 1 reporter has claimed that does not tell the full story.
After the United States Grand Prix, Russell and Verstappen were seen talking to each other off-camera following the race.
Journalist Stuart Codling said: “There’s this whole myth that Russell and Verstappen hate one another and don’t talk to one another
“And I think Max is the sort of guy, he is a bully on track.
"And I think he respects you, he might not say it when he’s talking to his engineer and trying to lobby for a penalty.
"But I think he respects you more if you try something.”
A complicating factor in Russell and Verstappen's relationship has been the uncertainty surrounding their Formula 1 futures.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is known to be a huge fan of the Dutch four-time world champion, although he admitted that his attempt to sign Verstappen earlier this year destabilised the team.
The Red Bull's driver future was uncertain earlier in the season as the team struggled for results, with speculation that he could seek a move away.
However, they have improved since the summer break, with Verstappen winning three of the last four races to re-establish himself in the title battle.
Despite that, Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen has previously warned the team that they expect Red Bull to remain competitive under next year's regulation changes.
Meanwhile, Mercedes only confirmed last week that they will retain their driver line-up of Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
But the team have not disclosed how contracts lengths, fuelling speculation that Wolff could attempt to sign Verstappen again in 2026.
Although it is possible that Russell and Verstappen could one day become teammates, it had been suggested that the Dutchman would only be brought in to take the Briton's seat.
With new engine and chassis regulations next season, it remains to be seen which cars on the grid will be the most competitive.
Topics: Max Verstappen, George Russell, Formula 1, Motorsport, Red Bull Racing, Mercedes
James Taylor