Max Verstappen has become somewhat of the black sheep of F1 this week, overshadowing Mercedes’ first win of the season and George Russell’s maiden victory.
The Red Bull star could only muster a sixth-place finish in Brazil, but still managed to grab the headlines when he refused to let teammate Sergio Perez through at the end of the race.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 13: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 leads Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 13, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo by Mark Thompson Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Max Verstappen refuses to help Sergio Perez
On the team radio, Gianpiero Lambiase said: “Max let Checo through please.” However, his request was met with radio silence from Verstappen.
After the chequered flag, Lambiase was back on the radio to enquire about proceedings, asking: “Max, what happened?”
Despite both championships being wrapped up, a furious Verstappen responded: “I told you already, the guys don’t ask that again to me, ok? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 13: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 13, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool /
Perez had originally allowed Verstappen to pass in order to push for overtakes on the Ferrari’s ahead, but the Dutch driver failed to do so. When Red Bull ordered Max to let Checo back through, he flat out refused.
This comes as Perez is still fighting for second place in the driver’s championship, which would be his best-ever finish. Verstappen has also already wrapped up his two championships of the season. The nature of the request comes simple that Verstappen had already won the drivers’ championship and did not need more points. Checo on the other hand is in battle for second against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. If Max Verstappen had switched places with Sergio Perez it would have enabled him to reach two points over Charles Leclerc in the world championship.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 13: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT03 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 13, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool /
When asked about the incident after the race, Perez revealed he had been left disappointed by his teammate, while pointing out how much he has done for Max in the past.
Checo, of course, was the driver who held up Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi last season, allowing Verstappen to catch up and eventually win his first championship. But the Red Bull man was reluctant to return the favour this week.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 13: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 13, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool /
When interviewed after the race, Verstappen failed to reveal why he had refused to follow team orders. However, he did claim to have warned the team of his intentions before and after the race.
It remains to be seen how Perez responds in the future when asked to sacrifice his own position in order to help Verstappen.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 13: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 13, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool /
