Il Brazil divided and made one suffer Red Bull which until a few weeks ago seemed to be sailing in more than calm waters. With solid leadership and a good vice-captain, strong results in both championships, nothing, neither the supremacy of the RB18, or the team play in which he has shone in the last two years, had ever wavered so much. The controversy broke out thanks to the fuse lit by Max Verstappen, who in itself does not enjoy the reputation of the nicest character in the paddock. The Dutchman has always preferred to talk about results on the track, letting his statements take on different shapes and colors, also based on his character and what the media wanted to bring out.
The choice to disobey, not to bend to the team order put forward by Red Bull in the final laps in Brazil brought to light the negative comments about Max, who was exposed for the first time, in some time, not only to criticism but to popular hatred . Formally, the radio teams have exposed Max's true nature, disguised in these two years in the image that he has managed to build, that of sample cold-hearted, ripe. Character that is difficult to keep stifled for too long. What we heard in the radio team was followed by comparisons, denials, public apologies, to get everything back to its initial shape. Like a piece of rubber that stretches, but then returns to its natural shape.
Verstappen: 'I'm not the bad guy'
However, the hatred does not stop, and Max Verstappen complained about this and during the press conference preceding the weekend in Abu Dhabi, he had to reiterate that he is not a "monster", much less a complete egoist. Max's position had already been communicated to the team and for this reason he would not accept a change of positions with Perez. In recent days the media have brought up the case of Qualifying in Monaco as a possible key episode of the matter. No one has denied, let alone confirmed, but that there is a precise episode at the basis of all this has admitted it all the same Max, who was deeply disappointed by the hatred poured towards his family.
"Sixth place in Brazil? It wasn't about the standings, but it was something about something that happened during the season. After the race we talked, but we should have had that conversation earlier. I've never been a bad teammate, but we understood that we need to communicate better. I've been portrayed as the bad guy by the media, but they don't know how and how much I work for the team. The worst thing is that they attacked and threatened my family. Serious. If you have a problem with me ok, but leave my family alone. I have an excellent relationship with Checo and maybe one day all the facts will be known. But I don't understand the attacks on me and the family. So many things written have been ridiculous.”
Red Bull sides with Max
Red Bull also spoke out against the attacks and threats received from Max, Checo and their families communique who, after explaining what happened in Brazil, condemns the wave of hatred towards the main protagonists that this issue has brought to the surface.
"As a team we made some mistakes in Brazil. We hadn't foreseen the situation that occurred in the last lap and we hadn't agreed on a strategy for such a scenario before the race. Unfortunately, Max was only informed at the last corner of the request to give up the position without all the necessary information being transmitted. This put Max, who has always been an open and loyal team rider, in a compromising situation, with little time to react. After the race Max spoke openly and honestly, allowing both riders to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns. The team accepts Max's reasoning, the conversation was a personal matter which will remain private between the team and no further comment will be released."
"Events that are followed from the point of view of social media are completely unacceptable. The online abusive behavior towards Max, Checo, the Team and their respective families is shocking and sad and unfortunately something we sportsmen have to deal with with depressing regularity. There is no place for that in racing or society as a whole and we have to be better. Ultimately this is a sport, we are here to compete. Death threats, hate mail, against extended family members are deplorable. We value inclusion and want a safe space for everyone to work and enjoy our sport. The abuse has to stop.”
Source statements: sky sports f1
