P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has shared his thoughts on his relationship with Max Verstappen — and the prospect of being team-mates at Mercedes.
George Russell and Max Verstappen have a distant relationship, but they greet each other and are not bothered by any animosity. They have had conflicts on and off the track, with Russell calling Verstappen a “bully” after a clash in qualifying. Despite the tension between them, Russell stated he would “relish” the opportunity to be teammates with Verstappen. The ongoing negotiations between Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Verstappen created uncertainty for Russell’s future with the team. With both drivers now committed to their respective teams, the potential for them to become teammates still exists if circumstances allow. Russell emphasizes that teamwork does not require being best friends, citing examples of successful pairings in Formula 1 with strained relationships. He welcomes the challenge of competing against Verstappen, acknowledging the Dutch driver’s talent while asserting his belief in his own abilities.
