Threat of a race ban to hold Verstappen back? Here's what this F1 champion thinks

Verstappen and Russell have a history together with both drivers being involved in incidents since the Briton made the move to Mercedes. In Qatar last year relations between the two reached a breaking point with both lashing out at each other over a controversial incident in qualifying for the Grand Prix in Doha, with the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi marking a new low in their dynamic.

However, even more fuel was added to the fire when Russell made contact with Verstappen in an overtake attempt during the restart at the Spanish Grand Prix a fortnight ago. The Dutchman had to take to the run-off and held the position, which the Red Bull pitwall told him to give back to the Briton. This added to Verstappen's frustrations and at Turn 5 he made contact with Russell in what seemed to be an emotional move, rather than the Dutchman's usually calculated overtake manoeuvres, which earned him a 10 second penalty and 3 penalty points added to his license leaving him on the verge of receiving a race ban.

Speaking to Sky Sports, former F1 champion Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen will go all out, and stay true to his driving style. "My feeling is he won't care about that (the potential race ban, ed.)"

"He wants to win this race and and will drive like always, super aggressive. That's my impression of Max which is what we want to see," he concluded.

Verstappen has fired back at mainly the British media for what he considers to be a 'childish' approach to their coverage by focusing on his penalty points, he said to Dutch media.

During the press conference following the Saturday afternoon qualifying session Verstappen snapped back at Tom Clarkson over the 'constant questioning' regarding his penalty points situation and if whether or not it would impact his racing.