Max Verstappen’s Azerbaijan antics and ‘Princess George’ blast at F1 rival Russell were odd – he must act like a champ

THERE was something unusual about Max Verstappen’s behaviour at the Azerbaijan GP – and no, it was not because he didn’t win (for once!).

First, there was his reaction to contact with George Russell in the sprint race, calling him a “d***head” and later referring to the Brit as “Princess George”.

SplashMax Verstappen and George Russell clashed in Baku over the weekend[/caption]

AFPVerstappen was left fuming with Russell[/caption]

Then there was his petulant response when asked his opinion on the new sprint race format weekend, saying “just scrap the whole thing”.

It was unusual because recently, we have seen a much-more mature world champion while he has enjoyed plenty of success.

Sure, he used to blow his top and by his own admission made some mistakes when he came into F1, but based on his recent attitude, in Baku it was uncharacteristic.

As too was the reaction from his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who seemed to rev-up Verstappen with his comments during the sprint race.

At one point he radioed Verstappen as he battled Russell saying: “Hold it Max, these guys have got nothing to lose. Just remember that.”

Verstappen replied: “No mate, he tapped me. That’s how he got the position. F****** report it!”

Somewhat unprompted, Lambiase later congratulated Verstappen when he made an overtake saying “lovely job Max, without contact as well, nicely done.”

Of course it was tongue-in-cheek but only served to keep up Verstappen’s fury as he replied “yeah, I know how to do that,” before swearing again.

Perhaps I am over-analysing it, but usually Lambiase has a calming influence on his driver.

There is no denying Verstappen’s talent.

He’s the best driver on the grid at the moment when it comes to race craft and tyre management.

He has now passed Ayrton Senna’s total with 81 F1 podiums and is still only 25-years-old.

Could he now be feeling pressure of seeing his Red Bull team-mate, Sergio Perez get to within six points of him?

Irrespective of that, it is all very well being a world champion, but it is another thing to behave like one – and shooting your mouth off isn’t it.

We have the Miami GP up this weekend where hopefully this time, he will remember to pack his manners.

TOTTING UP

INTERESTING to hear Mercedes boss Toto Wolff calling the race “boring”.

I am sure Red Bull boss Christian Horner would say the same between 2014 and 2020.

MADE HER MART

F1’S new all-female racing series kicked off last weekend with Spanish racer Marta Garcia winning both the opening two races at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

But the championship, which has the aim of bringing female talent to the F1 grid, would not get off the ground without controversy after British racer Abbi Pulling was disqualified.

Pulling, part of the Alpine F1 team programme, had taken pole in both qualifying sessions – only to lose from both of them due to an “unintentional technical infringement” related to “non-homologated parts” on all three Rodin Carlin team cars.

BAGNAIA’S BEST WIN

MOTOGP world champion Pecco Bagnaia hailed his victory in the Spanish MotoGP at Jerez as his best ever.

The Ducati ace recovered from a penalty for clashing with Jack Miller to ease the pressure after a slow start to the season.

Meanwhile, Fabio Quartararo’s miserable run extended after he was forced to take a double long lap penalty for causing a collision.

The Yamaha rider was adamant he was not to blame and served the penalty before the stewards judged he touched the outside white line upon re-entering the track, forcing him to take it a second time.

Former MotoGP world champion Quartararo is down in 11th place in the championship.

ALL THE THRILLS

FORMULA E returns to action this weekend in Monaco.

The series is enjoying some competitive racing this season with a whopping 362 overtakes during the last two races in Berlin.