During the final lap of the 2022 Brazilian GP, Max Verstappen was ordered to swap positions with teammate Sergio Perez. Max, who was 6th, ignored the message despite his teammate’s request to claim additional points to fortify P2 in the Championship.
Eventually, Max and Checo finished P6 and P7 respectively with the Dutchman aggressively telling his engineer to not instruct him to do so. The Dutchman claimed he had ‘reasons’ to not do so.
Perez was dejected by the lack of consideration from his World Champion teammate saying it showed “who he is.” He also remarked that he was the reason why Verstappen had claimed 2 Championships.
Verstappen later claimed he apologised for his reaction and would follow team orders in the final race to allow Checo to finish 2nd. But it was too late, as Perez lost out the position to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen faced the brunt of the media and fans for disobeying team orders outright. Some even claimed the driver had too much power and influence in the team. Including British TV Personality Jeremy Clarkson who labelled him a ‘B*stard’ for his actions.
Jeremy Clarkson hits out at Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen drew a lot of flak for his stubbornness in Brazil. And Jeremy Clarkson was one of the many who felt the Dutchman made a fool of himself in not supporting his teammate when it mattered.
The former Top Gear host claimed fans who celebrated his success in 2021 and 2022 were disappointed by his actions at Interlagos. Ideally, Max should have allowed his teammate through claims Clarkson.
Clarkson stated, “There was one time in Monaco when Perez didn’t help Max. But there have been plenty of other occasions when he did. But that’s not important.
He continued, “Max disobeyed his boss and publicly came across as a spoiled, entitled brat who simply doesn’t understand the concept of kindness.” Despite this, Clarkson believes Verstappen is still “probably the best in the business.”
Also Read: Max Verstappen lost 50,000 Instagram followers after refusing to help Sergio Perez at Sao Paolo GP
The Aftermath of Red Bull’s radio saga
Max Verstappen was a target of online abuse for his actions on track. The Dutchman answered that the abuse he and his family have received on social media was unacceptable.
Red Bull released a statement in response to the attention the two drivers received. Team Principal Christain Horner even assured that Max will do all he can in the following race in Abu Dhabi to aid Sergio Perez’s P2 ambitions. But it would be too late as Perez will lose out to Leclerc by mere 3 points.
The incident has sparked tensions in the Red Bull camp. And with Daniel Ricciardo’s return as their 3rd driver, Checo’s future as a Red Bull driver could be in danger. The Mexican contract is set to expire in 2024.
Max Verstappen is undoubtedly Red Bull’s number 1 driver. The Dutchman commands a $40 Million salary and is the highest earner in the 2022 F1 grid. And with Ricciardo back at Red Bull’s camp, any animosity between Perez and Max could see the Mexican replaced by the Aussie.
