Max Verstappen defies team orders in tense Red Bull exchange

Max Verstappen Defies Team Orders in Brazil

Tensions surfaced at Red Bull three years ago when Max Verstappen ignored a direct team order during the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Although he had already secured his second world title, internal friction persisted beneath the team’s dominant image.

Background of the Conflict

The roots of the tension traced back to the Monaco Grand Prix earlier that season. Sergio Perez had crashed during qualifying while ahead of Verstappen, preventing the Dutch driver from finishing his fast lap. Perez went on to take pole position and later win the race, leaving a lingering sense of frustration within the team.

The Incident at Interlagos

By the time of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, both Red Bull drivers were outside the top positions late in the race. Perez was struggling on worn medium tyres after an unsuccessful move against Fernando Alonso. When Verstappen passed him for sixth place, Red Bull asked Verstappen to return the position to help Perez secure second place in the championship battle with Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen's Refusal and Radio Exchange

Verstappen refused to let Perez reclaim the position and expressed his displeasure with the decision over the radio.

"I told you already last summer, you guys don't ask that again to me. Are we clear about that?"

The atmosphere immediately turned heavy. Perez responded pointedly after the race, showing his disappointment.

"It shows who he really is."

Aftermath

The episode exposed the competitive tension between Verstappen and Perez and revealed the fragile balance within Red Bull’s garage, even during a season of domination.

Author's summary: Verstappen’s refusal to follow orders in Brazil highlighted Red Bull’s internal rivalry and revived old tensions dating back to Perez’s Monaco crash.

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RacingNews365 RacingNews365 — 2025-11-05

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