George Russell has blasted Max Verstappen for his “pathetic” reaction to the pair’s lap one incident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
As the Mercedes driver dove down the inside, Verstappen refused to yield in the opening lap resulting in damage to the side of the Dutchman’s car.
While Russell did successfully pass Verstappen, the Dutchman would power back later in the race to regain his P3 spot.
However, with damage to the side of his car, Verstappen was unable to pass the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, forcing him to settle for third place.
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In a heated post-race interaction between Russell and Verstappen, the Red Bull driver was heard calling the Brit a “d*******” and threatening to do the same to him if they come together in future.
Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Russell revealed his surprise for the aggressive reaction from Verstappen, claiming it was childish of the Dutchman to behave like that after a normal racing incident.
“It was all a little bit pathetic,” Russell told Sky Sports.
“I think something you learn as a kid is if you’re going to give something you’ve got to be willing to take it as well.
“He’s had his fair share of giving moves like that and being tough and hard at racing and it’s a little bit poor to see how he sort of spat his dummy out when it was the first time he probably got something back in the same regard.
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“From my side there was nothing really to say. I thought it was good racing, exciting racing and that’s the only thing that happened that weekend.”
Officials agreed with Russell that it was a fair racing incident, as there was no investigation and no punishment for the Brit’s move.