Russell loses out to 'bully' Vertappen once again

Russell and Verstappen do not share the front line often. In fact, they shared the front line only two times last season, the Canadian Grand Prix and the Qatar Grand Prix. However, when the two start side-by-side, the race is always action-packed.

The Qatar Grand Prix is a prime example of this. Before the two even got on the track, the action had started. After a situation of supposed impeding, the two were called to the steward's office. 

It was there that it all went downhill for Verstappen. When the two emerged, he had been given a one-place grid penalty and was now starting from second. He also had a new opinion of Russell.

Verstappen claimed to have lost all respect for Russell, while Russell contended that Verstappen was a bully to whom nobody stood up. The drama from the stewards stretched on for the two of them and occasionally reappeared.

Unfortunately for Russell, that one-place penalty did not stop Verstappen from regaining first place before Lap 1, turn 1. Verstappen held on to that position even after the restart after the first safety car.

By the time the first pit window opened, it was not Russell fighting with the Dutchman; it was Norris. Things got worse for the Mercedes driver when he pitted earlier than his front-runner counterparts and was stuck in a battle with Albon for 10th place.

After a debris incident on the track and a yellow flag, another safety car was deployed, allowing Verstappen to get a ‘free’ pitstop. Russell also made his second stop there.

Verstappen kept his lead while Russell was carving his way back up the pack. Something that helped Russell was Norris receiving a stop-and-go ten-second penalty. This dropped Norris down, allowing Russell to gain another position.

In the end, Verstappen crossed the line six seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, and three positions clear of Russell.

Could the same thing happen for the Canadian Grand Prix?