Max Verstappen at the Bahrain GP.
Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Last season of Formula 1 did not end in the best way between Max Verstappen and Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez. What seemed to have been left behind, resurfaced after the Bahrain Grand Prix after an audio of the conversation between the Dutchman and the Red Bull engineers was leaked.
After the European pilot and the Mexican made it 1-2 in Bahrain and got on the podium, the moment circulates on social networks in which apparently the team would have asked Verstappen to slow down to ensure a mark 1: 37:0 per lap.
The response of the native of the Netherlands was emphatic and conditioned his actions to that of ‘Checo’ Pérez, since he would only obey if the Mexican did the same. The dialogue would have originated with Gianpiero Lambiase. “The distance with Leclerc is 23.5 seconds, Max. Just make sure you come back. Please, just make sure you come back, Max. We want 37.0s, please, Max. Leclerc rolls in 37.2”, was the order given to Verstappen.
“I have no problem with going slower, but if we all go slower”, would have been Max’s response. However, The authenticity of the recording is unknown and if it corresponds to the last Bahrain GP that took place last Sunday.
The dissemination of this clip revived the controversy and tension that existed a few months ago between the two Red Bull talents among fans and they positioned themselves on the matter on social networks.
“With this kind of thing the narrative of ‘Super Max’ falls apart. It is not an outstanding pilot as they want you to believe. It’s good, but not extraordinary. Of course you can beat him,” said a user on Twitter.
“Verstappen is one of the bunch with a jewel from Newey and the most mature power train on the circuit. Extraordinary and different were Fangio, Stewart, Senna, Prost or Schumacher. They want to install a narrative of the best in history for this whiny and characterless boy ”, another fan added.
It should be remembered that at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was ordered to let ‘Checo’ Pérez win so that he could secure second place on the general podium. However, Verstappen refused and this caused, in addition to a great controversy, that the Mexican ended up losing to Charles Leclerc in qualifying.
It may interest you:
·Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez achieves his first podium of the season in Bahrain after a disputed race
·Checo Pérez turns the page and has fun on vacation with Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton gave his opinion on the conflict between Checo Pérez and Verstappen: “It looked like the Kardashians show”
**
