Verstappen ‘surprised and disappointed’ by Russell

DOHA: Max Verstappen made clear his feelings about George Russell´s actions leading to him being stripped of pole position when he spoke out after winning Sunday´s chaotic Qatar Grand Prix.

The newly-crowned four-time world champion said he felt "surprised and disappointed" by the Mercedes driver´s attempt to see him penalised after an incident during qualifying at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday.

"I was surprised and disappointed in the stewards´ room," said Verstappen. "I have been in there many times, of course, but I have never before seen someone trying to screw someone else over that hard."

Speaking to reporters after winning Sunday´s race, Verstappen had explained that he had been trying "to be nice" in slowing down on his lap in qualifying and did nothing deliberate to upset Russell.

"I was just trying to be nice and maybe that is not the way to be," he said. "But I am not surprised by anything anymore in this business." Russell had complained that Verstappen´s driving was dangerous on Saturday when he slowed on track ahead of him, causing him to take evasive action.

"Karma is a wonderful thing," he said. "You definitely did not drive unnecessarily slowly today. Great job." "Simply lovely, guys. Yes, yes, yes. What an unbelievable race again. That was really fun!"