Here's what Red Bull had to say about the Perez-Verstappen mix up in Brazil

Red Bull Racing has issued a statement defending Max Verstappen’s actions following a failed driver swap at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The statement follows an incident near the end of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in which Red Bull advised Verstappen to let teammate Sergio Perez through, only for the Dutchman to disregard the order and finish sixth, ahead of his teammate. Perez is battling Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for second place in the Driver’s Championship, with the Mexican and Monegasque drivers level on points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Fans have criticised Verstappen’s actions in the aftermath, prompting the team to issue a statement stating that the team had not discussed the possibility of Verstappen having to move aside from Perez prior to the race and that they accepted the driver’s reasons for not moving aside, with Red Bull now stating that the matter was closed.

The team’s statement said, “As a team we made some mistakes in Brazil. We had not envisaged the situation that unfolded on the last lap and we had not agreed a strategy for such a scenario before the race. Regretfully, Max was only informed at the final corner of the request to give up position without all the necessary information being relayed.”

“This put Max, who has always been an open and fair team player, in a compromising situation with little time to react which was not our intention. Following the race Max spoke openly and honestly, allowing for both drivers to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns. The Team accept Max’s reasoning, the conversation was a personal matter which will remain private between the team and no further comment will be made.”

On online abuse

In addition, the team condemned social media abuse directed at Verstappen, Perez, Red Bull F1 team members, and their families in the aftermath of the incident. “The events that followed from a social media point of view are completely unacceptable. The abusive online behaviour towards Max, Checo, the Team and their respective families is shocking and saddening and unfortunately is something that we as a sport are having to address with depressing regularity.”

“There is no place for it in racing or society as a whole and we need to do and be better. At the end of the day this is a sport, we are here to race. Death threats, hate mail, vitriol towards extended family members is deplorable. We value inclusion and want a safe space for everyone to work in and enjoy our sport. The abuse needs to stop.”