F1 Roundup: Russell Accuses Leclerc of "Backing Up" Hamilton as Verstappen’s Tense Team Radio Uncovered

George Russell accuses Leclerc of sabotaging Hamilton’s pace while Max Verstappen clashes with his engineer in today’s F1 2026 roundup.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 5:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Russell Decries "Aggressive" Ferrari Tactics

Newly surfaced team radio from the Chinese Grand Prix has shed light on George Russell’s view of the podium battle between Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Russell, who finished second for Mercedes, was heard accusing Leclerc of "backing up" Hamilton during their intense scrap for the final podium spot. Russell later described the inter-team Ferrari duel as "some of the most aggressive racing I’ve seen for a while," admitting he stayed close in anticipation of a collision between the two scarlet cars. Hamilton eventually secured third, marking his first podium since joining the Scuderia in 2025.

"I'm Supposed to Be on Your Side" – The Verstappen/Lambiase Rift

The internal tension at Red Bull reached a boiling point in Shanghai, with untelevised audio capturing a rare defensive moment from race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. Following Max Verstappen’s first retirement since June 2025 due to an ERS cooling failure, the four-time champion’s frustration with the RB22 and the 2026 regulations boiled over. In response to Verstappen’s critiques, Lambiase was heard reminding his driver, "I am supposed to be on your side," suggesting a growing disconnect between the cockpit and the pit wall as the team struggles to adapt to the new power unit era.

Verstappen Issues Rule Warning: "It Will Ruin the Sport"

Continuing his crusade against the 2026 technical regulations, Max Verstappen warned that prioritizing "fan engagement" over driver concerns will eventually "come back and bite" the sport’s authorities. Verstappen, joined by Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz in his skepticism, argued that the current focus on energy management and "lift and coast" maneuvers is fundamentally flawed. In a blunt assessment of the positive reception from some viewers, Verstappen claimed that fans enjoying the current racing "don’t understand racing," asserting that the new rules risk permanently damaging F1's DNA.