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63 George Russell GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, 11 Sergio Perez MEX, Oracle Red Bull Racing, 1 Max Verstappen NLD, Oracle Red Bull Racing at the F1 2022 End of Year photo, F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo by HOCH ZWEI Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates *** 63 George Russell GBR, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , 11 Sergio Perez MEX, Oracle Red Bull Racing , 1 Max Verstappen NLD, Oracle Red Bull Racing at the F1 2022 End of Year photo, F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Photo by HOCH ZWEI Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

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63 George Russell GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, 11 Sergio Perez MEX, Oracle Red Bull Racing, 1 Max Verstappen NLD, Oracle Red Bull Racing at the F1 2022 End of Year photo, F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo by HOCH ZWEI Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates *** 63 George Russell GBR, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , 11 Sergio Perez MEX, Oracle Red Bull Racing , 1 Max Verstappen NLD, Oracle Red Bull Racing at the F1 2022 End of Year photo, F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Photo by HOCH ZWEI Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
A crossover we didn’t see coming. Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez were caught on camera having a chat. This isn’t the first time the duo has been spotted having a back-and-forth with each other on or off track. The two who have been touted to take forward the Red Bull and Mercedes feud were again seen having a dialogue during the Bahrain Pre-Season Testing. The official account of Formula 1 posted the picture to ask fans about their take on it and F1 Twitter didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t foreseeable that fans would be as creative to bring in every controversial incident and serve it with a dash of humor.
During day 2 of Bahrain Preseason Testing, a picture of Russell and Perez started making rounds. They were seen immersed in a conversation standing outside the Mercedes garage in front of Lewis Hamilton‘s side. As it was only a still, the Formula 1 Twitter account posted the photograph asking fans, “What do you think they are talking about?”
Checo and George having a catch-up! 💬
What do you think they are talking about? 😅#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/hRvHMO8aN4
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 24, 2023
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When the F1 Twitter account posted this picture, they wouldn’t have thought the fans would go above and beyond with their creativity.
Fans didn’t waste time bringing up the Red Bull controversy
The reigning champions breached the cost cap budget in 2021, the same year their golden boy, Max Verstappen, became the world champion for the first time. The already controversial title was now tainted with a financial overreach issue that was settled with a penalty. While that is a thing of the past, the fans have now found humor in another Red Bull- Mercedes crossover connecting it to the supposed reason for their cost cap breach; catering.
Checo: "-Would you want to switch places?"
George: "-Nah, I've heard catering is overrated over there"— Aramis Token Official (@AramisToken) February 24, 2023
Mercedes fans chimed in to show support for the team they support and ‘scare off’ Red Bull fans.
George telling Perez, Redbull are done for this year!
— Sarge Siddiqui (@Sarge@vmst.io) (@Sarge_Siddiqui) February 24, 2023
A few even saw Checo fans join forces with their rivals to see their favorite beat the reigning double world champion.
How they’re both going to beat Max this year ☺️
— Rob (@JuceeRob) February 24, 2023
Discussing their secret plan to become number 1 drivers
— Nhlanhla Dexter Tshuma (@NhlanhlaDexter) February 24, 2023
Let's become the number 1 drivers for our teams this season 🤣
— PASTA (@achiyora) February 24, 2023
Some even spilled over the newly released season 5 of Drive to Survive fever in their guesswork.
Asking why Wolff mentioned him in the team principals meeting in 2022 as we can all see in DTS season 5.
— Gijs Codée (@tyrellcorp9) February 24, 2023
Probably about the new season of drive to survive
— gilad kachlon (@giladk007) February 24, 2023
A few even remembered last year’s infamous Brazilian GP incident and donned their creative hats adding humor to the tweet.
George: So Lewis decided to pick when he'll do his testing
Checo: Shows who he really is— I11u510n (@Chandillusion) February 24, 2023
George; You should definetly not helping max this year hermano.
Checo; no more mate.
— David (@DAVIDEPALLY) February 24, 2023
Max said he’s willing to let you pass him.
— El papi Horner (parody) (@PapiHorner) February 24, 2023
Few were quick enough to recollect the most famous rivalries of our times. The clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
They are like, " How many times do you think yours & mine team mate will clash this year"
— wasiF1 (@wasiFormula1) February 24, 2023
However, one tweet even took a dig at the Sky Sports commentators who keep guiding their customers to tap into the highlights of the race.
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They're talking about how if you are a Sky Q customer you can press the red button on your remote to see highlights and more
— ÅĞÑÛŠ (@Its_Agnus) February 24, 2023
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Watch This Story: Max Verstappen and Christian Horner slam Mercedes for trying to ‘take the shine off’ F1 title win after Lewis Hamilton drama
Fans had a gala time wondering what Checo and Russell were talking about. What moment stood out for you from the Bahrain Pre-season testing?
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