But what George claims Max said does open up the question of George possibly lying. Or are you seriously going to believe "I would rather crash with you than give up my position" Verstappen said he wouldn't race George and would let him pass? Completely voluntarily and without any benefit to him? Not only would that be completely uncharacteristic of him, it makes no sense for him to say that and if he somehow did actually say that, why would he be pissed about the penalty if he's going to give the lead to Russell anyway? It makes no sense but George claims that's what Max said.

Unless Max explicitly confirms what George claims Max said I'm going to stick with George is lying.