Max Verstappen's George Russell radio joke goes viral after Dutch GP qualifying

A team radio message from four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen to his Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has gone viral after qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

During the qualifying session, Verstappen anticipated a complaint from Mercedes rival George Russell, which never actually came. As the drivers made their way out of the pitlane, the Dutchman said, "We'll probably have George crying on the radio about the pit release, but it was nothing unsafe."

As far as what was shown on the broadcast, the Mercedes driver did not complain about the pit release as Verstappen had jokingly predicted.

"Does nothing. Got hated. Be like George," one fan commented on Reddit, while another added: "Banter ig, but I bet it wouldn't be considered as funny if George said it..."

"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," another fan posted.

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Someone else commented: "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."

Further reactions included: "I do like a Max radio just because I like how calm GP is all the time, very funny from Max lol," and "I love sassy Max." Another comment read: "Max is too funny."

McLaren's Lando Norris secured pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix and will be joined by Russell on the front row. Verstappen qualified seventh and his team-mate Liam Lawson, who has stepped in for an injured Isack Hadjar, will line up beside him in eighth.

The Dutch Grand Prix will take place at 3pm local time (2pm UK time) on Sunday 23 August. 

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- The Motorsport.com Team