Verstappen reveals true state of his relationship with rival Russell

In an interview with the Daily Mail online, The Dutchman addresses the apparently tumultuous relationship with his colleague and rival, Russell. Recently the Briton opened up a can of worms revealing the conversations that were taking place between Mercedes and Verstappen. Should the move come to fruition, Russell would reportedly be the odd man out. Reports that Verstappen has no control over.

"I can’t do anything about all the stories that are written up," said Verstappen before effectively debunking every rumour that has come out in mainstream media in the past year. "I also don’t pay attention to it. It has never crossed my mind to take a year out. Driving anywhere else or with anyone else is not even on my mind. This scenario does not exist in my head."

The world champion also addresses the media-charged-up rivalry with his British counterpart and reveals the true dynamics that take place between the two. "We get on all right. We have our moments on the track but it’s all good," said Verstappen. "We speak. We just leave that behind, at least from my side. You just continue racing. I’m not someone who holds a grudge."

This falls in line with Russell's comments following his post-qualifying license points quip to the Dutchman where he stated he and Verstappen 'were mates.'