Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has strongly responded to criticism over his refusal to help teammate Sergio Perez in his battle for second place in the championship in Brazil. Speaking during the press conference in Abu Dhabi, the reigning world champion offered some clarification for his actions, stating that it was about something that had happened earlier in the season and that the team had agreed with his response.
“I have never been a bad teammate, I’ve always been very helpful. The team knows that. I always put the team up front because it’s a team effort,” Max said.
He also addressed the criticism he has received in the past week, stating that he has been unfairly attacked in the media and that people had gone too far by attacking his family.
“The things I’ve read are pretty disgusting. They started to attack my family, my sister, mum, girlfriend, and dad. That goes too far when you don’t have the facts. If you have a problem with me, that’s fine. But don’t go after my family,” he said.
Max also spoke about the possibility of Red Bull finishing 1-2 in the Drivers’ Championship and expressed his excitement about seeing the battle.
“I am looking forward to seeing the battle. As a team we have never finished 1st and 2nd, if we can achieve that, that would be amazing,” he said.
He ended the press conference by reiterating that he will help Sergio if he can this week.
“If the opportunity is there to help as a team, we are going to do that. I have a great relationship with Checo. I hope one day they understand what is going on. Not only fans, but people in this paddock,” Max said to sum things up.
