The row between Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell has cast a shadow over Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes farewell in Abu Dhabi.
The last race is on Sunday at 14:XNUMX, Max is the new-old champion, and the constructor's title between McLaren and Ferrari remains to be decided.
Russell and Verstappen have been at loggerheads since last week's Qatar race, when the Dutchman was stripped of pole position after driving unnecessarily slowly during qualifying.
Verstappen then accused Rasel of lying and said that he had never seen someone so eager to harm someone.
The Dutchman then said that Russell pretends in front of the media and is completely different when the cameras are off, and that he has lost respect for him.
Russell responded that "someone had to stand up to the bully" and accused Verstappen of threatening to "crash into him in Qatar" after a meeting with the stewards. The four-time world champion denied it.
"For me it's unacceptable, he crossed the line and I won't accept it. So, someone has to stand up to this guy before it gets out of control," said Rasel.
"I think he was able to do this because no one stood up to him. Luis stood up to him in 2021... Can you imagine if the roles were reversed, if Max lost the title the way Luis lost the title then? I think he would have Masi scared for his life," Rasel said.
During the race weekend in Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton will say goodbye to Mercedes, as he will move to Ferrari next year.
McLaren and Ferrari are fighting for the long-awaited title in the constructors' competition - McLaren has not been champion since 1998 and Ferrari since 2008.
McLaren has 21 points more than Ferrari, after the harsh penalty received by its driver Lando Norris in Qatar.
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