Red Bull release statement regarding Brazil GP
17th November 2022Red Bull Racing have issued a statement following backlash of a controversial decision made by, their two-time world champion, Max Verstappen.
Verstappen sparked controversy at the end of the race, in Brazil, as the Dutchman refused to relinquish his track position to his teammate, Sergio Perez.
Perez allowed Verstappen to go through, in the latter stages of the race, in an attempt to allow the defending world champion to chase after the Alpine of Fernando Alonso – in fifth place. However, the reigning world champion wasn’t able to close in.
When requested to give the position back to Perez, behind him, the Dutchman refused stating he had his reasons.
Since then, Verstappen has been criticised online – and by the media – for his reluctance to give up the track position. Had Verstappen gave up the position, it would’ve benefitted Perez’s chances to secure P2 in the driver’s standings ahead of the F1 finale this weekend.
In the statement, the team 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.”
The team continued:
“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.”
This is not the first time Red Bull have been a target of online abuse.
Their Head of Strategy, Hannah Schmitz, was a victim of online abuse – earlier this year -following the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix. Conspiracy theorists suggested the Red Bull staff member had somehow influenced the race result, to allow Verstappen another victory on home soil.
That’s it for the article; Red Bull release statement regarding Brazil GP!
What do you think social media should do to prevent – or deter – online abuse? Let us know in the comments!
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