George Russell has confirmed he has not spoken to Max Verstappen since their heated end-of-season fallout in Abu Dhabi last December and remains firm on his stance.
The Mercedes driver, who clashed with the four-time world champion over accusations of bullying and disrespect, made it clear he has no intention of backing down.
“I haven’t spoken (with him),” Russell said at a 10-team season launch in London when asked about any reconciliation. “No concerns about him or his driving or anything. That happened last year, and I want to focus on myself.”
Now entering his fourth season with Mercedes, Russell is set to lead the team alongside new teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. Despite the tensions with Verstappen, he remains unfazed.
“Obviously, things I felt got out of line at the end of last year, and I made it pretty clear that I’m not going to take it. But now, you know, it’s 2025, and I want to focus on the job—and the job is to win,” he added.
With Verstappen chasing a fifth consecutive title, McLaren’s Lando Norris has emerged as the bookmakers’ favorite for the upcoming season. The 2025 Formula One campaign kicks off on March 16 in Australia.
