Max Verstappen has expressed his concerns over George Russell's role as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) following their heated exchanges in Abu Dhabi.

The tension between the two drivers erupted publicly in Qatar and continued at the Yas Marina Circuit as they confronted each other in the media.

Verstappen accused Russell of aggressively pushing for a grid penalty against him during qualifying, which the Red Bull driver believes led to a loss of respect for his fellow competitor. "Well, that's kind of disappointing to see," Verstappen told select media.

"I don't think that's the best example to show either to the FOM or the FIA, to be like that."

Russell, meanwhile, fired back, labeling Verstappen a bully and bringing up the controversial 2021 title fight with Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that race director Michael Masi would have feared for his safety had the controversial end to the season not favored Verstappen.

The Mercedes driver, who also represents the interests of the drivers within the GPDA, questioned Verstappen's behavior and the impact it might have on the association's credibility.

Team bosses Christian Horner and Toto Wolff also weighed in on the feud, with Wolff dismissing Horner's comments as the musings of a "yapping little terrier" and defending Russell's position as the voice of the drivers within the GPDA.

Horner stood by Verstappen's version of events, stating, "Max does nothing but tell the truth. I believe 100% what he said to be accurate. Of course, there's other people in those steward rooms as well. They were quite surprised at the approach taken."

As the F1 season drew to a close, attention turned to the final race of the year—the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Taking place over 58 laps at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, December 8, the race was expected to be a critical battleground for drivers vying for championship positions.