Although instrumental in team-mate Sergio Perez’s pursuit of P2 in the Drivers’ Championship, 2022 champion Verstappen nevertheless defied Red Bull’s order to let his team-mate through and secure a P6 finish at Interlagos. Perez, who now goes into the final round in Abu Dhabi level on 290 points with Leclerc, was understandably furious, claiming Verstappen had shown his true colors after helping him out many times before. But while it may not reflect too well on Verstappen, Herbert can understand why the Dutchman made the decision he did. “I think that shows exactly what Max is,” Herbert told Sky Sports News. “It’s a very selfish way, but, to be honest, you have to be selfish, I think, in any sport in a lot of ways to get the best out of yourself, to give yourself those opportunities to win races and, of course, championships. “That’s why he’s a two-time World Champion. And I think selfishness is something we’ve seen with Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, the list goes on. “So to see a situation like that was a bit harsh in your mouth, but in a way you understand it as an athlete and a Formula 1 driver.” Despite initial tension between the two Red Bull drivers, Perez later took to social media to state that he and Verstappen had buried the hatchet and moved on. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said after the race that Verstappen had agreed to help Perez in Abu Dhabi if needed, so now all eyes are on the season finale to find out if that happens. “Max says they’ve got it sorted and he said he’ll help him if that’s what he needs to do when we get to Abu Dhabi,” Herbert continued. “But it was strange at the time. Let’s see what happens in the next match that follows us.”
Max Verstappen needs a chance to redeem himself in Abu Dhabi
Verstappen said Red Bull know why they did not concede to Perez in Brazil, implying there was an old score to be settled. So if that were to happen, Verstappen would benefit from having the chance to help Perez in Abu Dhabi just to bring his team-mate fully to the side. Verstappen will go into the 2023 season with aspirations of winning a third title, something Perez can play a major role in, as he has done at times this season and especially in 2021. If Verstappen starts next season without a chance to prove to Perez that he will play the team game next, the memories of Brazil may just stick in Perez’s mind whenever Red Bull next calls on him to help Verstappen. Read more: Eight times Sergio Perez was the perfect teammate for Max Verstappen
