Kravitz reveals Russell’s scheme to ‘give it back’ to Verstappen in public

Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz has pulled back the curtain on one of last season’s juiciest off-track dramas: George Russell plotting to take the fight to Max Verstappen… via the media.

According to Kravitz’s new book, F1 Insider - Notes from the Pitlane, the Mercedes driver approached the British reporter with a clear mission – to air his grievances about the Red Bull rival who had rattled him on and off the track.

The feud had roots in a qualifying incident at the Qatar Grand Prix that landed Verstappen with a grid penalty after Russell took evasive action.

But during their subsequent visit to the Stewards’ office, the two drivers came to blows, with Verstappen later admitting that he had “lost all respect” for the Briton, calling him out publicly, which set the stage for one of the paddock’s most talked-about rivalries.

Abu Dhabi Ambush: Russell's Media Maneuver

Kravitz recounts the pivotal moment a week later in the Yas Marina media pen, where Russell made his intentions crystal clear.

“A week after Qatar, when Russell arrived at the Abu Dhabi track, he was in no mood to let the Verstappen situation lie,” he wrote.

“I’d spent the day interviewing drivers at the TV pen, but hadn’t yet heard any earth-shattering stories. A minute before his time slot, up strode George. He called me over to the edge of the pen – ‘make sure you ask me a follow-up question’.”

When Kravitz – ever the pro –asked for clarification, Russell gave the Sky F1 reporter a heads up.

“‘I’m going to give it back to Max. I’ve had enough of him bad-mouthing me in the press, and I’m going to call him out on his bullying tactics. I know you’re only supposed to ask me one question, but never mind that, I’m up for as many questions as you like’.”

Read also:

• Montoya: Mercedes has no need for Max – they’ve got Russell

Even Kravitz had to double-check that the strategy was intentional and not a spur-of-the-moment media stunt.

“Before checking to see if he was wearing a Drive to Survive microphone, I asked him if he was absolutely sure he wanted to escalate what was effectively last year’s story, and start a new fight with Max – never an easy battle to win. He said he was positive, and away he went.”

Russell's bold bid to hijack the interview spotlight reveals the sly underbelly of F1's media games, where drivers don't just race for points – they battle for narrative supremacy.

Sometimes, the media pen is just as mighty as the steering wheel.

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