Teamwork makes the dream work. This is especially true with the case of Red Bull, as Sergio Perez has been the epitome of a perfect team player. He has helped Red Bull and Max Verstappen repeatedly, be it to win races or world championships. However, when the time came for the duo to return the favor, Perez was left red-faced in front of the entire world.
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When it’s not your day, it’s just not your day. Red Bull endured a painful afternoon in Sao Paulo. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez started the race from P3 and P4. Yet, early contact with Lewis Hamilton caused damage to Verstappen’s RB18, which saw him pit early and lose places.
However, it was Checo who would’ve left the race more disappointed. Perez and Charles Leclerc are involved in a heated battle for P2 in the driver’s championship. So towards the end of the race, Verstappen was asked to give Checo his place in their bid to help the Mexican’s quest. However, Max denied team orders and crossed the checkered flag in P6, a place above Perez.
The pain and disappointment in the Mexican driver’s team radio were evident. As a result, he also took shots at this teammate after the race. However, in the Instagram post shared by Red Bull, Checo and Max seemed to have cleared the air post-race.
Sergio Perez said in the post, “It is something we have discussed internally, we will move on and keep working together as a team.”
Furthermore, Red Bull boss Christian Horner also commented that Verstappen is willing to help Checo by any means that he can in Abu Dhabi.
However, the fans were not impressed as they slammed the reigning world champion.
F1 fans react on Red Bull’s Instagram post after Max Verstappen-Sergio Perez row in Brazil
It was unpleasant to see Max Verstappen treating his teammate so unjustly. Consequently, fans have come out in support of Perez as they hit back at the Dutch Lion. Moreover, they shared their opinions on Red Bull’s Instagram page.
One fan wrote, “waiting for checo to start his nico rosberg era in 2023.” Whereas another argued that Verstappen’s word meant little. He commented, “Those words disappear in the race, verstappen IS NOT a team player.”
Moreover, Verstappen even managed to turn his fans against him with his antics. One fan said, “Huge Max fan, but he has to be willing to help his teammate. Checo has done everything asked of him to help Max and the team.”
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One fan gave an excellent reality check to Max. He said, “Ayrton Senna was on his way to victory at the 1991 Japanese GP to win his 3rd F1 championship. A 2nd place was enough for him, so he allowed his teammate to win, in gratitude for his support. Having talent makes you one of a kind. But also have humility, empathy, leadership and human quality; makes you a LEGEND.”
Additionally, a disappointed fan wrote, “Max lost a fan, he showed his true colors!”, while another angry fan commented, “NO RESPECT FOR MAX ANYMORE”. Meanwhile, another fan stated, “Max wins the championship, but today lost a lot of fans becuase that behavior.”
Fans also felt bad for Checo. One fan mentioned, “Max it’s the worst teammate!! He doesn’t deserve Checo! Checo always play as a team! Max have no class!”
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WATCH THIS STORY: How a Euphoric Sergio Perez Hilariously Leaked His Red Bull Contract Announcement at Monaco
Red Bull will be focussing on Sergio Perez getting the points and finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc in Abu Dhabi. Who do you reckon will finish P2 in the driver’s standings?