Mercedes star George Russell was left unimpressed by Max Verstappen after an incident involving Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After a long campaign, the 2023 Formula 1 season will come to a close at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday.
Ahead of the race, the drivers got a taste of the track during Friday’s FP1 and FP2 sessions.
During the second practice which was hampered by two red flags, Mercedes star Russell was left unimpressed by Red Bull driver and F1 world champion Verstappen.
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After a red flag stopped the session, drivers were itching to get onto the track when it restarted.
As cars queued to get onto the track in the pit lane, Verstappen chose not to wait as he pushed his way past Russell and Hamilton.
Speaking over the team radio, Russell said: “Verstappen has just crossed all the lines to pass.”
Sky Sports commentator David Croft said: “It's a bit cheeky that, to be fair. Now what he's trying to do is get past Pierre Gasly. Max, calm down. There's no need for that, I don't think. It's just silly, I don't see the need for it.”
Earlier in the session, Verstappen was not happy with Williams driver Alexander Albon, who seemed to push in at the pit exit.
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The Dutchman said: “Ah yeah, lovely, well done there. Can you please report that?”
It has been another sensational season for Verstappen as he eased his way to his third successive F1 title.
Ahead of Sunday’s race, Verstappen was asked whether there are any weaknesses within his car.
He told the media, as per Planet F1: “Of course there are. Look at our race weekend in Singapore. So in general, on street circuits, I think we are struggling a bit more, like in Vegas also.
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“Lower speeds is definitely not our strongest point in the car – bumps, kerbs as well – so that’s definitely a big area where we can get improved.”
Verstappen added: “It’s difficult to tell, but of course we are also working on our car to try and make it better.
“I think we know our weaknesses as well in the car, and that’s what we’ll of course try to work on – plus, of course, trying to make our strengths even stronger.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty/F1Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton
