I Should Thank Max For The Crash: Russell

Mercedes driver grateful that Verstappen's scare tactics backfired and he took blame

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MONTREAL - George Russell said Max Verstappen tried to show who was the boss when they collided in Spain two weeks ago, but the scare tactics backfired.

The Mercedes Formula One driver told British reporters ahead of the 10th round of the season in Montreal that he did not think Red Bull's four-time world champion had tried to deliberately ram him.

"He was just trying to get his elbows out and show who's boss. He got it wrong. Jos is the boss," said the Briton, jokingly referring to Verstappen's father, who enjoyed that nickname while racing.

Verstappen collected three penalty points and was also demoted from fifth to 10th in the race.

He now stands one point from a mandatory race ban.

The incident remained a talking point at the Canadian Grand Prix, where the pair lined up together on the front row in 2024 and could be going wheel-to-wheel again on June 15.

Verstappen recognised after Spain that the move was "not right and shouldn't have happened" but Russell, who finished fourth in Barcelona, said he was not looking for an apology.

"I don't think he needs to apologise to me for my side," he said.

"His actions cost him and they benefited me. So I should be almost thanking him.