Verstappen and Russell clash in tense meeting before Qatar Grand Prix
Max Verstappen and George Russell had a tense meeting with stewards before the Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen accused Russell of being friendly with the FIA after Russell successfully pushed for a penalty against him. Verstappen qualified first but received a one-place grid drop for blocking Russell, which allowed Russell to start in pole position. Russell went on to win the race, marking Verstappen's ninth victory of the year. After the race, Verstappen criticized Russell publicly, calling him two-faced. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the two drivers.