Former Formula 1 Ralf Pilot Ralf Schumacher said George Russell sent a message to Max Verstappen with his tactic under the safety car during the Canada 2025 Grand Prix. Schumacher said that the British showed that it can be as ruthless as the Dutch to win at all costs.
The rivalry between Russell and Verstappen was revived at the 2025 Grand Prix when Verstappen caused a collision with Russell and received a penalty of 10 seconds and three additional points in its superlicance.
In addition, the confrontation continued at the Canada 2025 Grand Prix, when Russell stopped late under the security car, which led Verstappen to complain about an erratic driving. Many alleged that the Mercedes pilot did it intentionally to force Verstappen to advance it under the security car, which is prohibited.
Ralf Schumacher, brother of Michael Schumacher and former F1 pilot, said Russell intentionally stopped to demonstrate his ability to bring the competition to the limit. According to Ralf, Russell sent a message to Max Verstappen that, when it comes to fighting for victory, he can also be ruthless.
In an interview with Sky Sports Germany, Ralf Schumacher said (through GP Blog):
“Now he has shown:‘ Care, Max. I am also someone who wants to win at all costs, who will do everything necessary by all means. You are not the only one on the track. “
However, Ralf criticized Russell’s maneuver, saying that he was not elegant and did not suit him. But, regardless of that, the former pilot was impressed with the victory of the British in Canada.
The victory in the Canada Grand Prix marked the first of 2025 for Russell. In addition, Mercedes’s euphoria doubled when 18 -year -old rookie Kimi Antonelli also achieved his first podium ending third, becoming the youngest podium winner in the history of F1.
Nico Rosberg defends Russell’s maneuver against Verstappen
The former F1 world champion, Nico Rosberg, supported George Russell for stopping under the security car against Max Verstappen during the Canada 2025 Grand Prix. Rosberg believes that the Dutch was pressing Russell closing the distance.
However, Russell stopped late, what Rosberg considers an answer and a message for Verstappen to retire. In an interview with Sky Sports, Rosberg said (via Racingnews365):
“When you are behind the security car and see Max Verstappen being shameless and trying to get nervous, just next to you in the mirror, at the exact point where the mirror is looking, you don’t like that. You really bothers you as a pilot, deeply. From there, it is quite natural to say:‘ You know what? Take this, idiot.
Rosberg added that Verstappen pressed to Red Bull to protest Russell for the alleged infraction under the security car due to his frustration.
