George Russell lands dismissive 'not the end of the world' blow on Max Verstappen

George Russell has told Max Verstappen it 'would not be the end of the world' if the four-time F1 champion was handed an F1 race ban.

In a remarkable twist to the ongoing saga between the two rivals, Russell and Verstappen will line up on the front row of the grid for the Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The scenario comes a fortnight after Verstappen was punished for causing a collision in the Spanish Grand Prix by running into the side of Russell's Mercedes towards the end of the race.

The Red Bull driver was handed a 10-second penalty that relegated him to 10th at the chequered flag, but crucially three points on his super licence to take him to 11, and one away from a ban.

In qualifying, Russell delivered an astonishing lap of 1:10.899s, finishing 0.060s clear of Verstappen, and teeing up what could be a battle royal on the run down to the first chicane.

Given the scenario, Russell was asked whether the fight with Verstappen would be any different given the risk at play for the 27-year-old.

"I don't think any driver goes out looking to crash into somebody and get penalty points on their license," said Russell, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365.

"Max is one of the best drivers. There's no reason for him to race any differently, 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 I'll be keeping an eye.

"Ultimately, we're all here to win. You're not going to do something that's going to jeopardise yourself from the race.

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

Championship leader Oscar Piastri, who starts from third on the grid, offered a more simplified view.

"For me, I'm not going to race any differently. I'm not going to take any less risk, any more risk. I'm certainly not gonna do anything different. I'll race as I always race."