At the finish of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing drivers exchanged fastest laps, although nothing jeopardized the team’s winning double. However, for the best result on the circle, an extra bonus point is given and the lead in the individual ranking depended on who got it.
At the same time, the team, not wanting to take any risks, asked both riders on the radio to slow down a bit and not make circles faster than 1 minute and 33 seconds, but the Dutchman paid no attention.
Everyone heard how Sergio Perez asked his engineer on the air what time the partner drove around the circle. When he heard the answer for 1’32.6, he responded as follows: “Then why are you telling me to do it for 1’33.0? We attack, although there is no reason to … “
This left the best lap with the two-time world champion and Verstappen remained the leader of the individual classification, but after the race he made no secret of his displeasure and it showed in his expression.
“I recovered and finished second, which is good, so overall everyone in the team is happy. But personally I’m not happy,” he said. “I’m not here to finish second, especially after all the great work I’ve done at the base of the team to prepare well for this race and to make sure make sure everything is right.
And after that I had to earn back in the race – I don’t like it. I have nothing against it, but when you’re fighting for a championship, and especially in a situation where it looks like there’s a rivalry going on between our two cars, you have to make sure these two cars work reliably.
Nico Rosberg was part of Sky Sports F1’s team of pundits last weekend and criticized Max’s stance.
“It’s unpleasant to see this,” said the 2016 world champion. – As we were told, he left the circuit very quickly on Saturday, it seems, after missing a team meeting. It is impossible to call this approach correct, it is not the best mood at such an early stage of the season, because the team works great, has prepared a great car and continues to work together.
I would say Max could have been nicer.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
