the box of Red Bull was immersed in a tense atmosphere after the Brazilian Grand Prix, which George Russell won with Mercedes. And this Max Verstappen did not let pass in the last rounds a Sergio Perez, so that he added more points in his fight with Charles Leclerc for second place. The Dutchman, who has already clinched the drivers’ title for several rounds, would have lost nothing if he had given up on sixth place, but he turned a deaf ear to his team’s request and kept his position.
His attitude angered the Mexican and surprised many, though the reasons for his refusal did not take long to come to light: It seems that the current champion is still upset by Pérez’s behavior in the ranking of Monk, which ended up hurting him at a time when he was still fighting for the championship. And although on Sunday, halfway through the race, he hinted that he wouldn’t help his teammate fight for second place in the standings; by the Austrian team warned that, after a meeting, the riders ended up shaking hands and agreed that in Abu Dhabiwhere the last race of the season will take place on Sunday, everyone will be racing for Czech.
What was Perez’s attitude in Monaco that Verstappen didn’t like? In the standings of that Grand Prix, the Mexican suffered an accident that generated a red flag and prevented him from doing so Crazy Maximus, who had good pace and had the opportunity to seek pole position, improve his record. The Dutchman finished with the fourth fastest time – he occupied that place on the starting grid – and climbed to the last place on the podium in the Final. Meanwhile, Checo started third and ended up winning the test.
According to the pilot Tom Colonelclose to Verstappen’s entourage, the champion’s unease arose when Pérez admitted it Christian HornerRed Bull team manager, e Mark Helmutteam advisor, dropped on purpose.
“I already told you last time. Don’t ask me again. We’ve already cleared that up, I’ve explained my reasons and I stand by them“, replied the Dutchman shortly before crossing the finish line at Interlagos when, on the radio, he was asked why he hadn’t let Pérez pass. “That shows who he really is,” the Mexican replied at that moment. And then he is was tough: “I was surprised, after all I’ve done for him… If he has two championships, it’s thanks to me”.
Had the Dutchman listened to the team’s order, Pérez would have left Brazil with 291 points to Leclerc’s 290. But since he didn’t, the Mexican and the Monegasque will arrive at Yas Marina tied for second place with 290.
In the late hours of Sunday, Horner said he met the riders and had a long chat. And while not providing details on what was said in that meeting behind closed doors, he assured that an agreement had been reached.
“The drivers discussed it and shook hands and we are absolutely focused on the next race. The scenario is very, very clear. Checo is level on points with Charles now and we will go to Abu Dhabi as a team to do the best we can to him to get that second place. It is our goal and our priority. Max has also promised that we will do everything possible to achieve it, “said the Briton.
Verstappen himself approved of Horner’s words. “We just discussed it and I think it was better that we finally sat down and talked about it. If we go to Abu Dhabi and he needs stitches, it’s not the end of the world. If he needs help, I’ll be there.” , said the Dutchman.
Have the rough edges been smoothed out? Will Verstappen give Pérez a hand if he needs it in the last race of the year?
Source: Clarin
