Max Verstappen has made it clear he has no interest in revisiting the controversy with George Russell that closed out his 2024 championship-winning campaign.
Despite securing his fourth consecutive drivers' title, Verstappen was the subject of harsh criticism from Russell over a qualifying incident at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Russell recently reignited the topic, admitting he had no communication with Verstappen over the winter break and has "no intentions" of doing so.
"Obviously things, I felt, got out of line last year," the Briton said. "I made it pretty clear that I'm not going to take it."
However, Verstappen was unmoved by Russell's comments, refusing to re-engage in the dispute whatsoever.
"Honestly, I have no intention to continue any kind of beef in February," he said.
"Like, I'm still enjoying my time actually away from Formula 1, and just getting ready for the season. I have honestly nothing to say about that subject."
Verstappen isn't the only driver facing heightened competition talk ahead of the 2025 season. McLaren's Lando Norris, who finished runner-up last year, has already signalled his intent to challenge Verstappen more aggressively on track.
"I need to get my elbows out and I need to show him that I'm not going to willingly give him positions," Norris stated.
Even with mounting tension among his rivals, Verstappen remains focused on himself rather than engaging in pre-season mind games.
"I prefer to just focus on myself," the Dutchman said. "That's the only thing I can control, that's what I'll always do.
"When I'm away, I don't really think about my rivals or whatever. I just live my life. That's the only thing I can say really."
