F1 problems break out: George Russell’s girlfriend Carmen Mundt has put an ultimatum and Max Verstappen made ridiculous: “He only won thanks to happiness and favor of the FIA.” Carmen Mundt also claimed that if Russell had raced in the same era as Verstappen, he would never have been praised as a legend. Her words went viral on social media. But Max Verstappen responded with seven words that Mundt … Speechless made during the Formula 1 GP of Azerbaijan.
The tensions in the Formula 1 world have reached a new highlight during the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan in Baku. What started as a typical racing weekend full of chaos on the track, soon escalated into a personal conflict between top drivers and their entourage. George Russell, the Mercedes driver who took second place in a heroic race despite illness, was unexpectedly dragged into a struggle for words when his girlfriend Carmen Mundt fiercely took to triple world champion Max Verstappen. Mundt, a Spanish financial analyst and permanent companion from Russell on the circuits, put an ultimatum to her partner and accused Verstappen of unfair benefits. Her statements, which went viral on social media, have divided the F1 community and ensure fierce discussions about happiness, favors and legend status.
It all started on Friday, during the free training sessions in Baku. Mundt, who can often be seen on the sidelines with her characteristic stylish outfits, shared a series of Instagram stories in which she expressed her frustration about the dominance of Verstappen. “He only won thanks to happiness and favor of the FIA,” she wrote in a post that quickly got thousands of likes and reposts. She was referring to the recent victories of Verstappen, including his triumph in Monza, where he defeated McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Mundt suggested that the international motor sport federation is showing favoritism to the Red Bull driver, with references to controversial decisions in earlier races. Her words touched a sensitive chord among fans who have been complaining about alleged unfairness in sport for some time, such as strategic benefits for Red Bull.
But Mundt continued. In a live video on social media, viewed by more than 500,000 people, she claimed that as Russell had raced in the same era as Verstappen, he would never have been praised as a legend. “George is a pure racer, without shortcuts or FIA protection,” she said passionately. “Max ‘success is built on happiness moments and favors, not on pure talent. If George had the same opportunities, he would be the real king.” This statement raised anger among Verstappen fans, who accused Mundt of jealousy and ignorance. Russell, who is struggling with inconsistencies at Mercedes, is said to have been deeply touched by the public fuss. Mundt even stated an ultimatum: “If this continues, with all those unfair benefits for him, then George must think about his future in this circus.” The Ultimatum hinted on possible transfer plans, especially now that rumors about Verstappen to Mercedes continue to circulate.
The controversy reached a boiling point during the qualification on Saturday, a session that was already chaotic with a record number of six red flags by Crashes from Piastri and Charles Leclerc, among others. Verstappen took pole position with a perfect round, while Russell climbed to the third starting place despite his illness. After the session, journalists confronted Russell about the words of Mundt. The Brit remained diplomatic: “Carmen is passionate, but this is racing, not a soap series.” However, behind the scenes, the couple would be tense, with sources that report that Russell asked Mundt to temper her social media.
On Sunday during the race the drama escalated. Verstappen led from start to finish, with a dominant performance that silenced his critics. Russell fought for a handsome second place, for Carlos Sainz from Williams, while Piastri asked crashed and Norris stranded in seventh place. After the finish, during the press conference, Verstappen responded for the first time to Mundt’s attack. With a grin and his characteristic directness, he said exactly seven words: “Let her talk, I just win.” The quote, short and powerful, immediately went viral. Mundt, who watched from the stands, would have been speechless, according to eyewitnesses. She did not respond publicly later, but licked a post from Russell in which he celebrated his victory.
The aftermath of this clash extends beyond Baku. Fans on platforms such as X and Reddit are debating fiercely about the claims of Mundt. Some support her, pointing to earlier FIA-controverses such as the grid sentences in 2021. Others call it pure envy, emphasizing that Verstappen’s 52 victories are not only based on happiness. For Russell this means extra pressure: his relationship with Mundt, strong for five years, is now in the spotlight, and his future at Mercedes depends on contract negotiations. Verstappen, meanwhile, seems unaffected and focuses on the title race, where he is now located within 69 points of leader Piastri.
This episode underlines the personal toll of the F1 world, where riders not only fight the track, but also in the media and private life. With seven races to go, the season promises even more fireworks. Mundts Ultimatum hangs like a sword above Russell, while Verstappen’s seven words are a reminder: in the royal class of motorsport only results. The question now is: will this fuel the rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull, or does it get bogged down in the usual Grid Gossip? Baku has in any case proven that Formula 1 is never boring.
