Without apology, Verstappen finds the behavior of the paddock and fans against him unacceptable

Max Verstappen did not comply in Brazil, on the last lap, when his team asked him to let his teammate, Sergio Perez, pass. Verstappen’s radio repeatedly asked, even ordered, him to let Perez pass. Ignoring the instruction, Max Verstappen explained that the team shouldn’t ask him for such things and that they had already discussed it. On the other hand, Perez, feeling upset, commented on the radio that Verstappen was showing who he really was.

« It wasn’t about the position. Whether it was 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th or 10th. It’s about something that happened earlier this season and I have already explained it to the team in Mexico, they understood and accepted it. And yes, we went to Brazil and I just thought we were going there to race, try to achieve the best possible result, and yes, there was a miscommunication.

» Verstappen argued in a press conference on Thursday.

The reigning double world champion, as Verstappen is already crowned champion with the last Grand Prix of the season taking place this Sunday, explained that nothing had been communicated to him about a potential change in position before the race. « On Saturday and Sunday, nothing was mentioned about a potential change in positions or anything of the sort. It only happened in the final lap when they said it on the radio, and I think they should have already known my position, since I had talked to them about it the week before. After the race, we discussed the problem and put everything on the table, and the issue was resolved. »

Verstappen is considered to be someone who is bad.

In the end, we should have had this discussion earlier, because I have never been a bad teammate to anyone, I have always been helpful and the team already knows that. I have always put the team’s work first. I think we have learned that we need to be more open and communicate better with each other.

Arguing that the problem arises from poor internal communication, he doesn’t understand why the fans and the paddock are allowed to judge without truly knowing the whole story, and especially why he may be viewed unfavorably now.

« But after the race, of course, yes I came across as someone bad, you know with the media, even though they didn’t have the complete picture of what happened, but immediately I was belittled, like… It’s really ridiculous to be honest, because they don’t know how I work and what the team appreciates about me.

»

At no point, a real explanation is given. However, Verstappen laments the behavior of the fans and the paddock, and is outraged by the threats received.

Received threats

Because of this event, Max Verstappen’s relatives and family have received threats on social media notably. The driver is outraged and explains that they should not be involved in this story.

(So) So all these things that I have read, it’s really disgusting. And also, even worse than that, they started targeting my family. They threatened my sister and mother, my girlfriend and father and it’s going way too far. (explains Verstappen.)

« You don’t even know the facts, or what was even happening at that time, and it needs to stop. If you have a problem with me, okay, but leave my family out of this because it’s unacceptable. So let’s move forward. »

Honestly, I have a very good relationship with Checo, but I just don’t understand people who don’t have the whole picture and start attacking me. I just hope that one day they will understand because this behavior is simply unacceptable. Moreover, even in the paddock, not just the fans, many people, what they have written about me, is just ridiculous.