Russell’s willingness to embrace a rivalry with Verstappen is further compounded by their fiery history on the track. An intense clash during the Baku sprint race earlier in the season resulted in a heated exchange between the two drivers. Verstappen famously referred to Russell as a “d**khead” after a collision during the opening lap of the race, exemplifying the intensity of their competition.
Despite the potential rivalry, it’s worth noting that Russell’s association with Mercedes is poised to be a long-term commitment, with sources confirming a contract extension. In contrast, Verstappen remains contracted with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2028 season.
