Max Verstappen Fires Back After Making Hamilton and Russell Fume Over Mexico City GP Controversy

The Mexico City Grand Prix didn’t just deliver high-speed drama on track — it also ignited a war of words in the Formula 1 paddock. Max Verstappen, fresh from yet another dominant performance, found himself at the center of controversy after a move that left Lewis Hamilton and George Russell visibly furious.

Both Mercedes drivers accused Verstappen of “disrespectful” behavior following a tense qualifying session and a heated race-day incident that saw tempers flare. But the reigning world champion was quick to respond — and in classic Verstappen fashion, he wasn’t backing down.

The Flashpoint: Mexico City Turns Hostile

The flashpoint came during Saturday’s qualifying session, when Verstappen was accused of blocking and disrupting fast laps from Hamilton and Russell in the final stages. The Dutchman, already on provisional pole, appeared to slow in front of both Mercedes cars as they approached the final corner — forcing them to abort their runs.

Hamilton was heard on team radio blasting the move as “ridiculous,” while Russell called it “gamesmanship at its worst.”

“We were both on push laps, and Max was just sitting there,” Russell complained afterward. “You expect a certain level of respect between drivers, especially at this level. That didn’t happen today.”

Hamilton echoed the frustration:

“It’s unnecessary. We’re all professionals out there. I don’t get why he needed to do that.”

Race stewards reviewed the incident but took no further action — ruling that Verstappen’s maneuver did not constitute “unnecessarily impeding” under F1 regulations.

Verstappen’s Snappy Response: ‘Maybe They Should Look at Themselves’

If Hamilton and Russell were expecting an apology, they didn’t get one. Confronted with questions about the Mercedes drivers’ anger, Verstappen fired back with a short but pointed reply.

“Maybe they should look at themselves before complaining about me,” he told reporters with a smirk. “I was doing my lap. Everyone’s trying to get space. That’s qualifying. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don’t.”

The Red Bull driver brushed off the controversy, insisting he followed all the rules and had no interest in fueling “drama.”

“I’m focused on winning races, not on what other people say. There’s always something to complain about — it’s Formula 1,” he added, shrugging.

Mercedes’ Anger Spills Over

Behind the scenes, however, tensions reportedly boiled over. According to team insiders, Hamilton was “visibly irritated” during the post-session briefing, while Russell was seen gesturing in frustration during media duties.

Team principal Toto Wolff, though measured in his words, didn’t hide his disappointment.

“We just want consistency,” Wolff said. “If one driver can slow others without consequence, it sets a strange precedent. But it’s done now — we move on.”

The rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes has simmered ever since the explosive 2021 title showdown between Verstappen and Hamilton — and even though Mercedes no longer hold the upper hand on performance, the psychological battle remains fierce.

Race Day Drama and More Friction

Come race day, Verstappen delivered another masterclass. Starting from pole, he controlled the pace from the front, surviving a mid-race restart and tire strategy shuffle to claim yet another victory — extending his astonishing run of form.

But the post-race interviews reignited the off-track friction. Russell and Hamilton hinted that Verstappen’s aggressive style during the opening laps bordered on “over the limit,” particularly as the three cars jostled for position into Turn 1.

Hamilton later told Sky Sports:

“It’s Max being Max. He races hard — maybe too hard sometimes. But that’s how it’s always been.”

Russell added,

“There’s a difference between being aggressive and being respectful. Some people don’t know where that line is.”

F1 Fans Divided

The fanbase, as ever, was split down the middle. Verstappen supporters praised the champion’s ruthlessness and unapologetic attitude, calling him “a true racer” who refuses to bow to politics.

“Max doesn’t play mind games — he just wins. If Mercedes can’t handle that, that’s their problem,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Others, however, sided with Hamilton and Russell, suggesting Verstappen’s conduct reflected arrogance more than confidence.

“When you’ve got nothing left to prove, show respect to your rivals,” wrote another user. “That’s what separates legends from champions.”

A Rivalry That Refuses to Fade

The latest flashpoint between Verstappen and Mercedes underscores how deep the animosity runs between the two powerhouses. Even with Red Bull’s continued dominance, the psychological warfare remains alive — and with Hamilton chasing his first win of the season, the tension shows no signs of cooling.

Former F1 driver Jenson Button summed it up best on Sky F1:

“This isn’t just about racing — it’s about ego, pride, and control. Max is at the top, and he knows it. The others want to prove they can still touch him.”

What’s Next: Brazil Awaits

With just a handful of races left, the focus shifts to the Brazilian Grand Prix — a venue known for chaos, weather swings, and unforgettable moments.

Whether Verstappen will extend his dominance or face renewed challenges from Hamilton and Russell remains to be seen.

But one thing’s certain: the rivalry that defined modern Formula 1 isn’t going anywhere — and Max Verstappen’s fiery response just poured more fuel on the fire.