Former F1 star Daniel Ricciardo issues WARNING amid Max Verstappen row

Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo issues WARNING amid Verstappen row

The Australian has weighed in on the war of words between George Russell and Max Verstappen

Kevin McKenna

Wednesday 18 December 2024 12:59

Daniel Ricciardo has delivered a stern warning to George Russell amid his ongoing feud with Max Verstappen.

The pair have been embroiled in a war of words since the penultimate race of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign in Qatar.

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In qualifying, Verstappen was deemed to have driven unnecessarily slowly, with the Dutchman being hit with a one-place grid penalty for Sunday's grand prix.

George Russell and Max Verstappen clashed at the Qatar GP

Their war of words continued at the season finale in Abu Dhabi

Ricciardo weighs in on Russell-Verstappen feud

Mercedes star Russell - who was promoted to pole position as a result of the decision - was furious having been blocked on the track by his Red Bull counterpart, and made his feelings known in the stewards' room following the session, prompting Verstappen to admit he'd lost all respect for his rival.

Russell was quick to issue a response to the four-time world champion's comments, accusing the 27-year-old of being a bully, and alleging that he'd been threatened by Verstappen in the wake of the incident at the Lusail International Circuit.

Their back-and-forth continued over the weekend, and dominated much of the build-up to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, with neither driver refusing to back down.

Now, former F1 star Ricciardo has weighed in on their recent conflict.

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were former Red Bull team-mates

The Australian has been without a seat in the sport since being axed by VCARB in September, but is enjoying life away from the spotlight.

Despite being linked with a return to F1 in the future, Ricciardo has kept his cards close to his chest as he explores his other options.

Speaking to The Red Flags Podcast, the eight-time grand prix winner said: "It's great television isn't it? It's the first time I've seen George angry."

Ricciardo, who was a team-mate of Verstappen at Red Bull for two years in 2016 and 2017, had a message of caution for Russell should he decide to keep taking digs at the 2024 champion.

When quizzed on whether he would advise the Brit to continue, he responded: "Not at the moment, it's a tough battle to win."

F1 Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Daniel Ricciardo George Russell