Toto Wolff blames Max Verstappen for George Russell losing Italian Grand Prix pole
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 9:04 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff criticized Max Verstappen following the conclusion of qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Friday. Wolff alleged that George Russell failed to secure pole position because Verstappen hindered the Mercedes driver's final run by slamming on his brakes. Russell had coordinated with Kimi Antonelli to execute a slipstream strategy during his decisive Q3 lap, but the plan was disrupted at the start of the circuit. Russell expressed frustration regarding the incident, which occurred as Verstappen led a train of cars before the final push. The dispute centers on whether Verstappen’s braking maneuver intentionally impeded the Mercedes drivers' attempt to set a faster time. Mercedes staff maintain that the incident directly cost Russell the top starting spot for the upcoming race.
- •George Russell missed out on pole position during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
- •Toto Wolff stated that Max Verstappen prevented Russell from completing his final qualifying run.
- •Russell reported that Verstappen slammed on his brakes at the start of the final Q3 lap.
- •The Mercedes team had planned a slipstream collaboration involving Kimi Antonelli and Russell.
- 9:04 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell Says Verstappen “Slammed on the Brakes” During Italian GP Qualifying
- 5:46 PMMotorsport.com — George Russell frustrated with Max Verstappen qualifying antics: "He just slammed on the brakes"
"George Russell was frustrated with Max Verstappen "slamming on the brakes" at the start of their final Q3 laps in Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying as the Mercedes driver narrowly missed out on pole. Heading into the decisive qualifying run, Verstappen was leading a train with Kimi Antonelli and Russell, who were planning to work together to hand Russell the best possible slipstream as ...Keep reading
"George Russell expands on how Max Verstappen cost them the tow game during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, as he eventually lost out on pole to Pierre Gasly. It was all planned and practiced by Mercedes on Friday and…
"Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed that George Russell missed out on pole position for the Italian Grand Prix because he "got done over" by Max Verstappen during the closing stages of qualifying at Monza.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 9:04 PMGeorge Russell Says Verstappen “Slammed on the Brakes” During Italian GP Qualifying
George Russell expands on how Max Verstappen cost them the tow game during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, as he eventually lost out on pole to Pierre Gasly. It was all planned and practiced by Mercedes on Friday and…
- Motorsport.comSep 5, 2026, 5:46 PMGeorge Russell frustrated with Max Verstappen qualifying antics: "He just slammed on the brakes"
George Russell was frustrated with Max Verstappen "slamming on the brakes" at the start of their final Q3 laps in Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying as the Mercedes driver narrowly missed out on pole. Heading into the decisive qualifying run, Verstappen was leading a train with Kimi Antonelli and Russell, who were planning to work together to hand Russell the best possible slipstream as ...Keep reading
- Sky Sports—'He got done over by Max' - Wolff blames Verstappen for Russell losing pole
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed that George Russell missed out on pole position for the Italian Grand Prix because he "got done over" by Max Verstappen during the closing stages of qualifying at Monza.
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