Max Verstappen’s Joking Remark About George Russell’s Pit Release Sparks Online Backlash After Dutch GP Qualifying

A team radio exchange between four‑time World Champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has become a viral moment following the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session at Zandvoort.

During qualifying, Verstappen joked that his Mercedes counterpart George Russell would likely protest a pit‑lane release, though no such complaint materialised. As the drivers left the pit lane, the Dutch driver remarked, “We’ll probably have George crying on the radio about the pit release, but it was nothing unsafe.”

Broadcast footage confirmed that Russell did not voice any complaint regarding the pit release, contrary to Verstappen’s playful anticipation.

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Reddit users responded with a mix of amusement and criticism. One fan wrote, “Does nothing. Got hated. Be like George,” while another quipped, “Banter ig, but I bet it wouldn’t be considered as funny if George said it…”

Another commentator noted, “It was a bit embarrassing for Verstappen when Russell’s radio turned on, and he asked about the weather instead. The guys he used to bait just matured more than him and don’t fall for his games anymore.”

A third fan highlighted the irony, stating, “Complaining that a rival will probably complain about a scenario that just occurred, only for that rival not to complain. My favourite message of 26, well done GR.”

Additional reactions praised Verstappen’s humour: “I do like a Max radio just because I like how calm GP is all the time, very funny from Max lol,” and “I love sassy Max.” One viewer added, “Max is too funny.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris took pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix, with George Russell alongside him on the front row. Max Verstappen qualified seventh, and his teammate Liam Lawson – standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar – will start eighth.

The race is scheduled for 3 pm local time (2 pm UK time) on Sunday, 23 August.

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