Max Verstappen has been the centre of attention even since the Brazilian Grand Prix finished, after the two-time world champion refused to follow team orders that had been issued to him multiple times.
His teammate Sergio Perez finds himself in a tight battle for second place in the championship with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and with the season approaching it’s end, the Mexican needs every point he can get.
With this in mind, Red Bull told Verstappen that should he fail to overtake fifth place Fernando Alonso before the final sector of the last lap of the race, he should allow Perez through to take his P6 to give him a two points in his battle with Leclerc.
Verstappen refused to do so, ensuring that Perez will go into Abu Dhabi level on points with his Monegasque rival, making his thoughts very clear over the team radio.
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“I told you already last time, you guys don’t ask that again to me okay? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it,” he explained to his race engineer.
Perez was understandably furious at his teammate, suggesting that after everything that he has done for Verstappen in the past it would only be fair for him to return the favour.
Team principal at Red Bull, Christian Horner, has told reporters that the two drivers have spoken since the race, and the importance of Perez finishing second, ahead of Leclerc, has been reinforced to the Dutchman.
“The drivers have discussed it, they have shaken hands, and we are focused on that next race. We work as a team, we race as a team and our objective and our priority Is to see if we can get Checo to finish runner up in the championship,” he explained.
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“It is a straight fight between Checo and Charles and if Max can help in any way, he will do.”
Red Bull Chief Advisor Helmut Marko, who is usually extremely supportive of Verstappen, has admitted his surprise at the Dutchman’s refusal to help his teammate, stating that things must be different in Abu Dhabi.
“Red Bull’s goal is to take second place in the championship with Checo, and Max must do everything he can to help him with that. That’s all I want to say about it,” he stated.