Max Verstappen has responded to Sergio Perez’s recent remarks concerning the controversial team orders incident at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Perez had described Verstappen’s refusal to comply with team orders as rooted in unresolved issues from an earlier race that season, highlighting tensions between the Red Bull teammates. Verstappen, however, emphasized that they maintain a strong relationship despite the past disagreement.
Sergio Perez, who raced alongside Verstappen at Red Bull from 2021 through 2024, spoke extensively about their partnership during an appearance on the Desde el Paddock podcast. He touched on several topics related to Red Bull, including a revelation that the team regrets letting him leave and suggesting that the departure of Adrian Newey had caused significant challenges for Red Bull. In addressing the rumored fallout with Verstappen, Perez traced the team orders breakdown back to an incident at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier in 2022.
At the Brazilian Grand Prix, after initially ordering Perez to yield to Verstappen, the team later tried to reverse this decision, asking Verstappen to allow Perez to pass. Verstappen declined, signaling that he had his own reasons based on previous events earlier in the season. Perez explained that Verstappen tends to withhold his feelings until they are eventually expressed on the track. He linked the tension during the Brazilian race to a qualifying crash Perez suffered in Monaco, which left Perez starting ahead of Verstappen despite the latter’s teammate status.
Max had an issue with what happened in Monaco,
said Perez.
He never told me directly, he kept it to himself and brought it up six or eight months later. At the time, we talked about it and cleared everything up.
He had something on his mind from qualifying in Monaco – we talked about it at the next race in Baku, and it was all settled.
But Max is like that. He holds things in until he finally lets them out, usually on the track.
Verstappen Clarifies Relationship and Comments Ahead of Austrian Grand Prix
When questioned about Perez’s statements during the press conference before the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen sought to clarify the nature of their relationship and the context of Perez’s comments. He underscored that the way Perez’s remarks were reported might not fully capture their true intent and highlighted the mutual respect between the two drivers.
For me, whatever is written in the media, I know how Checo is, and we have a great relationship.
Verstappen referred to Perez by his nickname, Checo, and praised their longstanding teamwork. He said they have consistently maintained a positive and respectful dynamic, minimizing any perceived conflict stemming from the Brazil incident.
I have a great relationship with Checo. We’ve always, I think, been great team-mates. So I have a lot of respect for him. He has a lot of respect for me. And, yeah, that’s it from my side.
Perez’s Departure from Red Bull and Future Racing Prospects
Following his exit from Red Bull, Sergio Perez currently finds himself without a confirmed seat on the Formula 1 grid. The six-time Grand Prix winner has been linked to a possible F1 comeback in 2026 with new entry Cadillac. Additionally, there has been speculation about Perez moving to Alpine, but reports indicate that a deal for the 2025 season is unlikely despite uncertainty around Alpine driver Franco Colapinto’s future.
The developments in both Verstappen’s and Perez’s careers underscore the ongoing evolution within Red Bull and the wider Formula 1 grid, especially with shifts in team leadership and driver lineups.
Context and What Lies Ahead for Verstappen and Perez
The clarification from Verstappen about his relationship with Perez helps dispel rumors of internal discord following the Red Bull team orders issues in Brazil 2022. Their ability to maintain professionalism and respect despite competitive tensions highlights the complex dynamics of team strategy and individual ambitions in Formula 1.
With Perez’s future uncertain and Verstappen continuing as a dominant force at Red Bull, the coming seasons are set to reveal how these dynamics evolve, particularly as new challengers and regulations shape the sport.
