Tensions are running high ahead of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, and George Russell has thrown fuel on the fire — sarcastically mocking Max Verstappen’s recent criticism of modern F1 cars and their performance on street circuits. Verstappen’s pointed comments have sparked debate across the paddock, and now Russell has responded with a tongue-in-cheek jab that’s gone viral.

Speaking after his win at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Verstappen lamented that current F1 machinery is “too big, too stiff, too heavy,” making street circuits like Monaco dull and uninspiring for drivers.

“The cars that we have now, they just don’t really work that nicely on a street circuit,” Verstappen said. “They are way too big, too stiff, too heavy. So, I would say they don’t really come alive compared to like 2016 even… Now, everything just feels a bit dull.”

While Verstappen’s remarks were intended to highlight the challenges of racing in tight, twisty environments like Monaco, George Russell couldn’t resist poking fun.

“If Max knows how to fix everything, maybe he should be the FIA President,” Russell quipped with a grin during media duties on Wednesday. “He clearly has all the answers.”

Russell’s sarcastic jab comes amid growing discussion about the future of Formula 1 car design. The FIA has already announced that starting in 2026, new regulations will introduce lighter and more compact cars — a change largely welcomed by drivers, including Verstappen. However, Russell’s response suggests not everyone in the paddock agrees with how Verstappen frames the current cars’ shortcomings.

The FIA, for its part, issued a measured response to the controversy.

“We value driver feedback as part of our ongoing efforts to evolve Formula 1,” a spokesperson said. “While we understand that certain circuits present unique challenges, the 2026 regulations are designed to address many of the current concerns, including car size and weight.”

Despite the back-and-forth, Verstappen remains focused on the title fight — and on navigating one of the toughest tracks on the calendar. But as Monaco looms, his comments have clearly struck a nerve.

Whether Verstappen’s critique leads to deeper changes or just more paddock banter remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the championship battle isn’t just being fought on the track.