Race ban? Russell expects Verstappen to prove a point at the start tomorrow

When posed the question if he felt more pressure going into the race in this particular predicament, Verstappen simply gave the journalist a thumbs up and refused to answer. The Dutchman had previously stated to being 'pissed off' by the media's constant questions surrounding the matter.

Russell, however did delve into the matter to media present. "I mean, I don't think any driver goes out looking to crash into somebody and get penalty points on your license. So, you know, Max is one of the best drivers. There's no reason for him to race any differently."

He continued: "And I'm not sitting here thinking he's going to give us more room, if anything, probably the opposite, to try and prove a point. So, you know, I'll be keeping an eye [out], but ultimately, we're all here to win."

"It's a busy season as well and if you get a race ban, you get a race ban, you spend some time at home, it's not ideal, but you know, it's not the end of the world," Russell concluded.

On his side, Oscar Piastri, who's starting tomorrow's race in P3 said of the matter: "I think for me I'm not going to race any differently. I'm not going to take any less risk, any more risk. I'm not gonna do anything different. I'm not gonna do anything different. So, I'll race as I always race."