Formula 1: Arch-rival Russell: You don’t want to lose Max Verstappen

Russell, who had often had bitter duels on and off the track with the four-time world champion in recent years, immediately added: “You don’t want to lose Max, because we all like racing against him, that’s part of Formula 1.”

Only 12 Verstappen points from the first three races

Verstappen is currently grumbling mainly because of the massive rule changes that do not correspond to the Dutchman’s racing ideas. Among other things, drivers have to take their foot off the accelerator to generate energy for the battery. In addition, the new Red Bull is not yet getting going.

Verstappen only got 12 points from the first three races, while Russell got 63. However, the championship leader is Russell’s 19-year-old Mercedes colleague Kimi Antonelli from Italy with 72 points.

After the cancellation of the two Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the Iran war, the season continues on the first weekend of May in Miami.

The thing with the Nordschleife

Verstappen is taking another trip to the Nürburgring next weekend. He’s testing again on the legendary circuit in the Eifel for the 24-hour classic in May – and he’s also getting the driving fun there that he’s currently missing in Formula 1.

Russell understands this all too well. “If I could show four titles, I would probably do the same,” he said: “I can absolutely understand why driving on the Nordschleife puts a smile on his face.”