Russell feels Max friction

...BUT IT'S NOT SENNA-PROST

- By Daniel Moxon

WHENEVER there is a row in Formula One these days, more often than not it is the same two men at the centre of it.

Max Verstappen is no stranger to rubbing people up the wrong way but it is more surprising that George Russell, usually a more sedate, measured character, is the one who ends up clashing with the Dutchman the most.

They have known each other since they were children both are 27, Verstappen 138 days older than his British rival.

In 2012, they were both winners at the European Karting Championship held in Lincolnshire. Last September, Russell posted a photo of them celebrating with each other as teenagers.

But things have soured in recent years, particularly since Russell stepped up to Mercedes and began to compete with Verstappen at the sharp end of the F1 grid.