"Think that Max Verstappen-to-Mercedes story is dead in the water": Fans react to F1 latest war of words

The war of words between Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen and Mercedes-AMG's George Russell is taking center stage in the F1 community. With Toto Wolff joining the battle, fans have reacted to his comments about Verstappen being a bully on social media.

The fallout between Russell and Verstappen began after the former called out the Dutchman for a dangerous move during the Qualifying session at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Brit alleged that the four-time world champion stayed on the racing line on his cooldown lap to deny him a chance at grabbing pole position. After investigating the issue, stewards penalized Verstappen with a one-place grid penalty after the session was over.

This led to Verstappen publically criticizing Russell and calling his behavior unsportsmanlike. As a response to Verstappen, the Mercedes-AMG driver and team boss pair held a press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, calling Verstappen a bully in the sport.

Lewis Larkam, editor for F1 content on Crash.net shared Russell and Wolff's opinions on the Red Bull driver on his X page. Here's a look at his post:

"Extraordinary press conference with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff joining George Russell to defend his driver after public criticism from Max Verstappen. Russell says Verstappen has got away with being a bully because nobody has stood up to him - until now."

Since the post went live, F1 fans around the have reacted to the Mercedes boss's involvement in defending Russell. Here's a look at a few reactions:

"Think that Max-to-Mercedes story is dead in the water now 😂"

"Toto obviously realised he cant sign Max in the next few years afterall 🤡"

"Blimey 🤣" a fan reacted in Russell's signature response.

"All British drivers are insufferable crybabies who can't beat Max on talent. So this is how they try to do it. Lewis does it, Lando does it, and George Weasel does it too. So pathetic," another fan wrote, critisizing British drivers in general.

"Max Verstappen and Red Bull should now organize a press conference as well. Max should repeat every single thing that Georgie Boy has said. Then he should explain that he will do whatever is necessary to prevent George from ever winning anything in his life," a fan shared his opinion.

"So NOW Toto decides to defend a driver of his against Verstappen ☹️ where was this passion and anger when Verstappen did the dirty on Hamilton so many times and when FIA cheated him of his 8th WDC😡😡" another fan complained about Wolff's biased behavior.

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"Very disappointing" - Max Verstappen's reaction to George Russell's role in getting him penalized ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was handed a one-place grid penalty for impeding George Russell during the Qualifying session ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. The Dutchman expressed his feelings during the mandatory media interaction after the race.

"I was quite surprised when sitting there in the stewards’ room (about) what was all going on. Honestly, (it was) very disappointing because I think we're all here, we respect each other a lot and of course, I've been in that meeting room many times in my life, in my career, with people that I’ve raced and I've never seen someone trying to screw someone over that hard."

"And that for me… I lost all respect," Verstappen added.

Ahead of the final race at Abu Dhabi, Verstappen has already secured the Drivers' title, while Russell is placed sixth in the 2024 championship table.