F1 star Daniel Ricciardo hits out in Verstappen row

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Ricciardo hits out in Verstappen row

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

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Thursday 19 December 2024 01:00

Multiple-time Formula 1 winner Daniel Ricciardo has sent a former rival a warning amid a current feud.

Max Verstappen and George Russell have been at each other's throats in recent weeks, since the Qatar Grand Prix.

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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

Russell's was quick to issue a response to the four-time world champion's comments, accusing the 27-year-old of being a bully, revealing that he'd been threatened 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 (right) and 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."

Max Verstappen Mercedes Daniel Ricciardo George Russell Qatar Grand Prix