Russell admits Verstappen has 'changed' — and reveals genuine respect for his rival

A Rivalry That Has Run Hot

Few relationships in the modern Formula 1 paddock have generated as much heat as the one between George Russell and Max Verstappen. What began as competitive friction escalated into open hostility, with the pair clashing on multiple fronts throughout 2024 and into 2025.

The narrative intensified further when Mercedes was linked with a move for Verstappen himself — with reports suggesting Kimi Antonelli could be moved aside to make way for the Red Bull driver. Russell, it was said, would be deeply 'reticent' about the prospect of being paired with his rival.

Signs of a Thaw

Yet despite all of that, something appears to have shifted. Speaking to The Times, Russell offered a notably measured assessment of his rival — one that carries more weight given the turbulent history between the two.

"I honestly think he's changed a little bit in the last year," Russell admitted. "I respect him a huge amount on track and I respect his competitiveness."

It is a candid acknowledgement from a driver who has been one of Verstappen's most vocal critics. But the respect Russell articulates goes beyond pure racing ability. He pointed to Verstappen's growing appetite for competition outside Formula 1 — particularly his involvement in GT racing — as something he genuinely admires. Verstappen has been vocal about his desire to race at events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours, an ambition that Russell himself has also acknowledged, albeit noting the different circumstances between the two drivers.

"He's now doing these races in the GT category for the love of it, which I admire — and if I was a four-time world champion I'd probably be doing the same," Russell added.

The comment is telling. It reflects not just admiration, but also a contextual understanding of where Verstappen is in his career — a driver who has achieved everything Formula 1 has to offer and is now seeking new challenges out of pure passion. For Russell, still in pursuit of his first world title, the calculus is different. But his willingness to say so publicly suggests the bitterness that defined their relationship in 2024 may, at least partially, be fading.