Max Verstappen doubles down on Sergio Perez team order row – ‘you don’t understand’ | F1 | Sports

Max Verstappen has claimed people would “not understand” the reasons why he ignored team orders to let Sergio Perez pass at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Red Bull star said people don’t see what goes on “behind the scenes” as he attempted to justify snubbing demands in Sao Paulo.

Speaking to Viaplay, he said: “I think if I did that people would still not understand. People also don’t understand what goes on behind the scenes during the season. Somehow people think I’m not a team player while I’m always very open.

Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase begged his driver to slow down on the final lap in Interlagos to allow Perez through. Red Bull wanted to see the pass so the Mexican could score more points for his championship battle for P2 in the standings with Charles Leclerc.

But, Verstappen flatly refused the order as he crossed the line in P6 and hit back at his engineers over team radio. Perez also criticized his team-mate after the race, suggesting his actions revealed “who he really is”.

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The reigning champion added: “People don’t see it, but during a season everyone is busy with it’s own set-up. Together with GP (Gianpiero Lambiase) and the other people, we are generally quite good at finding the right direction. Usually, that is also copied by the other side.

“Of course, things like that are never said and you don’t have to. However, all those things do weigh in on the team. I never hold back. I am very open about what we are going to do and indicate what can be tried. Somehow people don’t understand that, but of course you can.”