Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina on Thursday. — Reuters

Tensions between Formula One rivals Max Verstappen and George Russell escalated into open accusations of bullying and dishonesty at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday. Verstappen, who had previously expressed his loss of respect for Russell after a pole position incident in Qatar, reiterated his stance in a news conference at Yas Marina, accusing Russell of deceit to gain an advantage. Dutch reporters reported that Verstappen, who won Sunday's race with Russell finishing fourth, also referred to the Briton as a 'loser'. In response, Russell held an extraordinary session with reporters inside the Mercedes hospitality, with team boss Toto Wolff by his side, firing back at Red Bull's Christian Horner. The Mercedes driver accused Verstappen of threatening behavior and called for a clarification of the situation.

Russell claimed that Verstappen had threatened to deliberately crash into him, a statement he initially thought was made in the heat of the moment but later believed to be serious after seeing Verstappen's intense expression. Russell emphasized that he had no intention of publicly criticizing Verstappen until the latter made personal attacks. He also highlighted the importance of role models in the sport, questioning Verstappen's conduct.

Russell praised his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, as the kind of champion he aspires to be, suggesting that former FIA race director Michael Masi might have feared for his job had Verstappen not won. He criticized Verstappen's behavior when not in the fastest car, referencing incidents like the one in Budapest. Verstappen, on the other hand, expressed shock at Russell's behavior in the stewards' room, accusing him of actively seeking a penalty through lies. Red Bull's Christian Horner's comment about Russell's behavior further fueled the conflict, prompting Wolff to defend his driver and question Horner's entitlement to comment.

Russell concluded by stating that there was nothing to lie about, as the facts were clear, and emphasized the intense competition between drivers both on and off the track.

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