Max Verstappen has expressed amusement at George Russell‘s strategy during the qualifying round in Abu Dhabi. Russell, a British driver, reportedly gave a ‘subtle hint’ via the onboard radio to Red Bull’s pit wall, asking for the Dutchman to provide him with a slipstream. Although Russell’s plan did not succeed, it did manage to elicit a smile from the reigning world champion: ‘I found it quite amusing.’
It was a notable moment during Q3 of the qualifying round in Abu Dhabi: George Russell attempting to catch a slipstream behind Max Verstappen. “Try to get me behind Verstappen on his in-lap,” was the plan of the Mercedes driver, communicated via the onboard radio. “He’ll probably give me a slipstream.”
Verstappen was able to laugh about his colleague’s request afterwards. “I did indeed see that he said that before my last fast lap,” the pole sitter told Viaplay. “I found it quite amusing.” The Brit’s plan ultimately failed, and Russell did not advance beyond the fourth starting position. However, the Mercedes driver remains the most likely outsider in the title fight who could still play a key role. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, after all, are starting from P2 and P3, just ahead of Russell.
According to Russell, his radio message about a potential slipstream from Max Verstappen was a hint to Red Bull to consider collaborating. “They need another party to get involved in the front battle,” Russell explained his radio message to Channel 4. “Realistically, we at Mercedes didn’t really have the pace today. So it was a kind of subtle hint to Red Bull’s pit wall to consider it. It didn’t work out, but fourth place is still a good starting position for tomorrow.”
Three-Way Battle
Whether the Mercedes driver will further involve himself in the title fight remains to be seen. Russell himself said he is primarily focusing on achieving a podium finish, while team boss Toto Wolff also doesn’t want the Silver Arrows to get involved in the fight. “We should not interfere,” the Austrian told Sky. “It’s a three-way battle between three drivers. The constructors’ title has already been won by McLaren, with our engine. May the best man win on Sunday.”
