Verstappen mocks Russell on team radio — then Russell never complains

Max Verstappen’s attempt to get ahead of a complaint that never came has become one of the most-discussed team radio moments of the 2025 Formula 1 season, after a clip from Dutch Grand Prix qualifying at Zandvoort spread rapidly across social media.

As drivers filed out of the pitlane during the session, Verstappen told his Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “We’ll probably have George crying on the radio about the pit release, but it was nothing unsafe.” Russell, however, did not raise the issue at all — and when the Mercedes driver’s own radio was broadcast shortly after, he was asking about the weather.

The contrast between Verstappen’s prediction and Russell’s actual response fuelled a wave of fan reactions online. “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,” one Reddit user wrote. Another took a different view: “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.”

Opinions were split on whether the message reflected well on the four-time world champion. “Does nothing. Got hated. Be like George,” read one comment, while others were more charitable: “I do like a sassy Max” and “Max is too funny” were among the more supportive takes.

On track, the qualifying session itself did not go Verstappen’s way. Lando Norris claimed pole position for McLaren, with Russell alongside him on the front row — a result that underlines the competitive shift that has defined much of this season. Verstappen qualified seventh, and will start eighth alongside Liam Lawson, who has stepped in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull’s sister team.

The Dutch Grand Prix takes place on Sunday 23 August at Zandvoort.