Champion Max Verstappen’s Teetering Response to Sergio Perez’s Triumph Gets Called Out Amid Red Bull Tension: “Not Good to See”

The ruthlessness of Formula 1 as a sport doesn’t let anyone make friends. Especially if they’re your teammate and driving an equally competitive car. This scenario is being proven again in the Red Bull garage in the current campaign. There is a cold war brewing between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, especially after the 2022 Brazilian GP. However, the tensions had died down, or so we thought. The events of the Saudi Arabian GP brought out some truth and former world champion Nico Rosberg did not appreciate that.

Rosberg did not appreciate Verstappen’s attitude after the race in Jeddah. The Dutchman started 15th after his qualifying ended early in Q2 due to a gearbox issue. The Dutchman fought his way back up to 2nd, but could not manage to catch his teammate Sergio Perez, who won the race. Finishing second wasn’t acceptable for Verstappen, as he revealed in his comments even though he tricked his teammate out of the fastest lap point. Rosberg revealed to Sky he did not appreciate this attitude as quoted by Daily Mail.

“It is not good to see,” said the 2016 world champion. “We were also told he skipped the team meeting [on Saturday] apparently. I don’t think it’s a good approach or mentality so early in the season when the team has done such a brilliant job and worked so hard. I think he could be more gracious.”

Read More: Red Bull’s Waters Getting Heated as Sergio Perez Hopes to Be Max Verstappen’s Kryptonite in 2023 Fight

Finishing second after starting from the 15th position is a win for many. However, Verstappen is unique and wants to beat his teammate as well. The Dutchman communicated that expressively in his comments, which is earning him some criticism from Rosberg, among others.

For some background, let’s look at the comment.

The comment that is sparking some criticism toward Max Verstappen

The Dutchman, after the race in Jeddah, shared his displeasure towards the race result. He shared his displeasure toward the gearbox issue that hampered his qualifying, which eventually led to his P2 finish in the race.

“I recovered to second which is good and in general the whole feeling in the team is happy,” said Verstappen. “But personally, I am not happy. I am not here to be second, especially when you are working very hard back at the factory to come here in a good state and making sure everything is spot on.”

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This ruthless attitude is exactly what makes Verstappen a force of nature. If he loses that, he might not stay on top, and on top is where the Dutchman wants to stay for many years to come. Keeping that in mind, do you agree or disagree with the two-time champ?