Despite Red Bull boss Christian Horner and Sergio Pérez having revealed to the media that the incident regarding Max Verstappen at the Brazilian Grand Prix had been dealt with, Verstappen’s mother has decided to get involved herself, in horrific fashion.
After a year of dominance and near perfection, Red Bull’s year may well be remembered for the controversy that reigned on the final lap at Interlagos, where Verstappen blatantly defied team orders.
Verstappen had been allowed to overtake Pérez in the closing laps of the race, under the impression that if he couldn’t pass either Fernando Alonso or Charles Leclerc, then he’d have to return the place to his team-mate.
It became clear on the last lap that the 25-year-old wouldn’t overtake either, therefore the team asked him to give the place back to Pérez, who is fighting for second in the championship.
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Verstappen refused to relinquish the place and ended the race ahead of Pérez, resulting in Horner immediately apologising to the 32-year-old.
Verstappen showed a sheer lack of teamwork and gratitude to everything Pérez has done for him during their partnership, with the incident leaving the Mexican extremely disappointed.
“It shows who he (Verstappen) really is,” he said.
“I have nothing to say, really. After all I’ve done for him, it’s disappointing. I have no idea. I’m really surprised.”
Following the race, Verstappen has faced an onslaught of abuse and criticism, with many fans across the globe having been left with a sour taste in their mouths over the Dutchman’s selfishness.
Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, decided to defend her son and fire an insult back at Pérez, by saying in a now deleted comment “and then in the evening cheating on his wife”.
This appears to be in reference to the Monaco Grand Prix, where Pérez was recorded partying with various women after claiming victory, despite being married.
It resulted in the Mexican releasing an apology after Monaco, where he took “responsibility” for his actions.
“I have seen the videos that have been circulating about me and I take responsibility for it,” Perez wrote in a social media post.
“It was a bad party that I didn’t know how to control at the height of the person that I am, but it was just that, a very bad party.
“People close to me know my values and the type of person that I am.
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“For those who ask me, we are more united than ever, me and my wife, and for those who just want to hurt us, I wish you the best,” wrote the Mexican.
Following Verstappen’s mother’s comments, fans have hit out at her for “attacking the privacy” of Pérez, with one user suggesting that she should have “taught” the double World Champion better.
“Instead of attacking the privacy of the people your son works with, you should have taught him values such as gratitude, loyalty and teamwork,” wrote a social media user.