Russell: No air to be cleared with Verstappen

George Russell says he's moved on from his run-in with Max Verstappen last weekend in Baku and insists there is "no air to be cleared" with the Red Bull driver.

Russell and Verstappen ran wheel-to-wheel through the first three corners of Saturday's Sprint event, the pair making contact in Turn 2 but the Mercedes driver completing the pass out of Turn 3.

However, the run-in left Verstappen with a significantly damaged sidepod that cost the Dutchman performance.

The latter eventually recouped third place, but after the race, Verstappen confronted his rival, criticizing what he considered as an overly aggressive move by Russell and calling the latter a 'dickhead'.

Read also:

• Russell: Verstappen 'let himself down' with Baku comments

In Miami on Thursday, Russell said the incident was in the rear-view mirror as far as he was concerned.

"I continue racing the same way I always would," Russell said. "A lot has been said about that coming together, but from my side, it was pretty straightforward.

"I went for a move, I got the move done, and moved on. Obviously, he was pretty upset about it, but that’s racing.

"These things happen. We’re all here to fight. That’s what F1 is about.

"From my side, there’s no air to be cleared. I will welcome and say hello to him if he passes by. I’m sure we’ll shake hands if we bump into each other.

"For me, it’s history now and it’s behind us. My view of him is still the same, I still respect him.

"I still think he’s a great driver. Obviously, things are always said in the heat of the moment. But we move on."

Once the dust had settled, Verstappen also downplayed the fracas.

Asked about the state of his relationship with Russell, Verstappen quipped: "Terrible! No of course not. That’s what people maybe like to hear.

"But it’s absolutely fine."

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