“Seb Did Exactly the Same”: Former F1 Champion Calls Out Hypocritical Criticism for Max Verstappen Over Ugly Spat With Sergio Perez

Max Verstappen has come under a lot of fire lately from fans and media alike. The defiance of the team’s orders to let teammate Sergio Perez pass in Brazil did not go down well for the Dutchman. However, as the waters continue to calm down, he is gathering some support. The latest to join his camp is a former F1 world champion.

As the race in Brazil progressed towards the latter stages, Red Bull strategists realized Sergio Perez could not pass Charles Leclerc. His teammate was however running on newer tires and showing a better pace. Therefore, Verstappen was promptly asked to take matters into his hand and try to steal as many points from Leclerc as possible.

Max Verstappen gathers Jenson Button’s support

In his bid to challenge Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen had to first overtake Fernando Alonso. However, he was told to concede the position to Sergio Perez in case he failed to overtake Alonso. Not only did Verstappen fail to overtake the Spaniard, but also refused to give the position back to his teammate.

2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button feels Max’s actions were justified. Speaking during Sky Sports’ broadcast, Button said, “Max is the one winning races. So, if Checo is upset about it, it’s a problem for Checo.”

Sky’s presenter Simon Lazenby asked Jenson, “So you’re in the Mika Hakkinen camp, are you? Because he was saying that as well, ‘it’s just a strong statement, and that’s it. This is my team’”

Jenson replied, “I mean Seb [Vettel] did exactly the same. Multi-21 was exactly the same. And we think Seb is such a sweet guy.”

Read More: “Stirred Up Bad Smell”: Destructive Max Verstappen Blamed for Red Bull Civil War as Sergio Perez Is Put Under the Microscope

Multi-21 is a term used to refer to an infamous incident from 2013 when Sebastian Vettel defied team orders to overtake his Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber. Multi-21 meant car number 2 (Webber) will stay ahead of car number 1 (Vettel) with the same engine setting.

Mika Hakkinen’s take on Max Verstappen defying team orders

2-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen too came in Max Verstappen’s support. The Flying Finn defended Verstappen’s actions, stating how crucial his position in the team is.

Unibet quoted Hakkinen, saying, “The team always comes first and if you have an agreement about how you and your teammate work together, it is always best to keep to that. None of us know the precise terms of Max’s agreement with Red Bull, but clearly he is the number one driver and in return he has brought them two world titles.”

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Do you think Max’s actions were justified on account of him being the world champion? Or should he have played the team game as Perez has played for him ever since his arrival?