George Russell has asserted that he doesn’t need to clear the air with Max Verstappen following their crash in Baku last weekend.
The duo collided on the opening lap of the F1 Sprint at Turn 2 as Russell attempted an overtake on the Red Bull driver.
The incident forced Verstappen wide, with Russell completing the overtake into Turn 3.
However, Verstappen’s car suffered damage to the side pod and the Dutchman was left deeply unhappy with the incident, confronting Russell after crossing the line in second place.
Ahead of this weekend’s race, Russell states that he doesn’t need to seek out his peer to clarify the situation.
“I continue racing the same way I always would,” Russell said. “A lot has been said about that coming together, but from my side, it was pretty straightforward.
“I went for a move, I got the move done, and moved on. Obviously, he was pretty upset about it, but that’s racing.
“These things happen. We’re all here to fight. That’s what F1 is about.
“From my side, there’s no air to be cleared. I will welcome and say hello to him if he passes by. I’m sure we’ll shake hands if we bump into each other.
“For me, it’s history now and it’s behind us. My view of him is still the same, I still respect him.
“I still think he’s a great driver. Obviously, things are always said in the heat of the moment. But we move on.”
Following the heated exchange, Verstappen concurred that there is no overhanging tension between the pair.
When asked how their relationship currently sits, he replied: “Terrible! No of course not. That’s what people maybe like to hear. But it’s absolutely fine.”
