Perez returns to statement on Verstappen titles: 'Emotional sport'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Sergio Perez was furious with his teammate after the Brazilian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen refused to give up his position for the Mexican driver. Perez has since apologised to the Dutchman over his post-race comments.
"Verstappen owes his two world titles to me", Perez's words rang out after the race at Interlagos. The Red Bull Racing driver is still fighting with Charles Leclerc for second place in the drivers' championship and needs all the help of his teammate to achieve that result. It would be the first ever one-two in the drivers' championship for Red Bull.
Perez can count on Verstappen's help in Abu Dhabi, but in Brazil the two-time world champion would not let his teammate past for P6. The Mexican now arrives in Abu Dhabi with the same number of points as Leclerc. Perez discussed the incident with Verstappen and the two are still good friends, Verstappen previously reveals.
Perez on his Verstappen statement
Speaking to Viaplay, Perez returns to his remark about Verstappen. "We’ve cleared the air. Formula 1 is a funny sport, because you show all your emotions. It’s an emotional sport, especially during the race. Everything is being broadcasted and shown after the race. Obviously, you say things in the heat of the moment. I’ve cleared the air with Max, everything is good within the team, and we are ready to move on."
Indeed, it is true that Perez has already meant a lot to his teammate. In Abu Dhabi 2021, for instance, he managed to keep Lewis Hamilton behind him for laps, eventually preventing the Briton from making a pit stop under the safety car.