BREAKING NEWS Max Verstappen snaps at 'childish' reporters and claims talk of potential race ban is a 'waste of time': 'It's p***ing me off'
A 'p***ed off' Max Verstappen snapped at reporters and claimed more talk of a potential Formula 1 race ban is a 'waste of time' after he qualified second behind George Russell at the Canadian Grand Prix.
In a fiery press conference in Montreal, Verstappen was in no mood for conversation and risked the wrath of the FIA's no-swearing rules once again.
As F1's Tom Clarkson began a question about Verstappen's penalty points and rivalry with Russell, the world champion interrupted to insist: 'I don't need to hear it again.'
He then added: It's really p***ing me off. You speaking about it, on Thursday, it's such a waste of time. It's childish. It's really annoying.'
Verstappen currently has 11 penalty points on his license, one away from a race ban, after he tangled with Russell last time out in Spain, an incident which saw him demoted from P5 at the flag to P10.
The looming possibility of a suspension has seen Verstappen field questions all weekend about his driving style, and he reached breaking point after qualifying on Saturday.
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Telegraph
41 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Club World Cup opens with a whimper
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But, in truth, most were taken even if the announcement that the attendance was 60,927 inside this 65,000-capacity arena looked like an Arsenal-style 'tickets sold' policy. Still there were not swathes of unoccupied stands, as had been feared and as are expected later in this tournament at matches that are much more difficult to sell. Mamelodi Sundowns against Fluminense back here on Wednesday, in the 3pm heat, on a working day, anyone? The bigger issue was getting in, and getting away afterwards, and given this American Football venue, the home of the Miami Dolphins, will also stage matches at next year's World Cup that must be improved. But will Fifa care? Infantino insisted on big stadiums and high-ticket prices. Eight of the 12 venues can hold at least 65,000 fans and only 12 games are being hosted in MLS-dedicated stadiums. 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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
George Russell takes Canadian GP pole from Max Verstappen
George Russell secured pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen by 0.160 seconds. Russell's pole position is his first of the season, with Oscar Piastri starting third. Russell and Verstappen, who clashed in the previous race in Spain, continue their rivalry, with Russell teasing Verstappen about penalty points, saying: 'I've got a few more points on my licence to play with! Let's see, let's see!' Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his qualifying performance and is optimistic for the race. Lando Norris finished seventh after a qualifying error, while Kimi Antonelli will start fourth; Lewis Hamilton starts fifth.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Verstappen rages at 'childish' comment in press conference after Russell jab
Max Verstappen has snapped back at continued questions over a potential race ban given his penalty points situation after he was beaten to pole position in Canada by George Russell Max Verstappen was left fuming as he again had to face questions over a possible race ban and admitted its "really p***ing me off". The Red Bull driver is one penalty point away from being hit with a race ban. His antics at the recent Spanish Grand Prix, where he drove into rival George Russell, saw him have more points added to his licence and he will drive at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix knowing he must toe the line. Verstappen is known for his aggressive style, which has been a hallmark throughout his career, and the Dutchman may have to show a more measured approach at Montreal if he doesn't want to be absent from the grid later down the line. It was Russell whom he clashed with in Barcelona and the pair have history, exchanging verbals in the past. They have drawn a line in the sand but the saga continues to be bought up and Verstappen had enough as he snapped at one question. As F1's Tom Clarkson began a question about Verstappen's penalty points as well as his rivalry with Russell but the defending world champion quickly stopped him in his tracks and said: "I don't need to hear it again." He then added: It's really p***ing me off. You [the media] speaking about it on Thursday, it's such a waste of time. It's childish. It's really annoying this world that we live in.' Russell meanwhile appears more than happy to poke the bear after landing pole position with a stunning lap in Montreal. He stuck his Mercedes ahead of Verstappen, who will start second ahead of world championship leader Oscar Piastri going into Turn 1. When he was asked about his pole lap the Mercedes star smirked and said: "I've got a few more points on my licence to play with." That drew some cheers but also audible boos from fans in the stands at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Brit added: "To be honest that last lap was probably one of the most exhilarating laps of my life. I got into the last corner and I was six tenths up and I was like, 'This lap is mighty'. Crossing the line and seeing we were P1 was a real surprise, but I was so chuffed with it." Russell had whooped with delight over the radio after his pole was confirmed and shouted: "What a f****** lap!" The same could not be said about Lando Norris, who was under pressure in the final round of qualifying after fluffing his opening lap. The best he could muster after that issue was seventh as his engineer looked to re-inspire his confidence over team radio. It gives Norris plenty to do as he looks to close on his team-mate. He said: "A tough Qualifying and not the result I was after. We were lacking a little bit of pace to the quickest cars, and I've pushed a bit too much to try and find that."
