George Russell has opened up about his recent collision with Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that Verstappen's attempts to intimidate him backfired. The Mercedes driver shared his thoughts ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the 10th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The Incident in Spain

Russell revealed that Verstappen was trying to assert dominance during their clash in Spain. "He was just trying to get his elbows out and show who's boss. He got it wrong. Jos is the boss," Russell joked, referencing Verstappen's father, who was known by that nickname during his racing career.

Consequences for Verstappen

Verstappen's actions in Spain led to significant penalties. He received three penalty points and was demoted from fifth to 10th place in the race. This incident has left him just one point away from an automatic race ban.

Russell's Perspective

Despite the collision, Russell finished fourth in Spain and saw a silver lining in the situation. "His actions cost him and they benefited me. So I should be almost thanking him," Russell said. He also noted that Verstappen's acknowledgment of the mistake was surprising but appreciated.

Looking Ahead to Canada

As the Formula 1 circus moves to Montreal, Russell is prepared to face Verstappen on the track once again. "This weekend if I see him on track, I'm racing the same. I want to win. I'm not going to give him any more space or anything," Russell declared.

Off-Track Encounter

Russell also shared a light-hearted moment from an off-track encounter with Verstappen. The two briefly chatted at the airport while Russell was heading to Paris for the French Open tennis final. "He was there with his newborn [daughter] and we were at the security machine," Russell recalled.

Verstappen's Response

Verstappen's reaction to Russell's comments about his driving style was equally humorous. "That was quite funny, to be fair," Russell said, laughing about Verstappen's promise to "bring some tissues" next time.

As the rivalry between these two top drivers continues to heat up, fans can expect more thrilling moments on and off the track.