Max responds to Interlagos uproar: 'Unacceptable'
Published on 17 November 2022 by Stefan Meens
Ahead of the final Grand Prix of the 2022 Formula 1 season, double world champion Max Verstappen reflected on a frustrating Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend. “It wasn’t a very good weekend for s. We only partially understand why, so we’ll have to analyse a bit more. We’ll have plenty of time before we return here next year. Every weekend we try to do well, and sometimes that works well and sometimes less so.”
“The track surface was tough for the tyres and because we only had one practice session to set-up the car due to it being a sprint weekend, we just didn’t manage. After FP1 you can’t really change the set-up so that’s it for the rest of the weekend. That didn’t really help our weekend.”
Going into the last race of the season, Max’ Oracle Red Bull Racing team mate Sergio Perez is aiming to secure second place in the drivers standings. “As a team, Red Bull have never finished one and two in the championship, so it would be great to achieve that. If the opportunity arises that I can help Checo, we’ll do that as a team.”
During the Brazilian Grand Prix, there was uncertainty about a possible position swap between the two Bulls, which the team released a statement about. Max added: “After the race, we spoke about it and solved it. In hindsight, you could say we should’ve had that conversation beforehand, but I’ve always supported my team mates, as Red Bull confirmed. The team is priority, because it’s a team effort.”
Following the on-track events, Max suffered abuse on social media. “Media and outsiders painted a bad picture of me, even though they don’t have the full picture of what goes on in the team. That’s ridiculous. That my family was being harassed online, my dad, mum, sister and girlfriend is unacceptable.”
Max concluded saying: “I genuinely have a good relationship with Checo. Still people display unacceptable behaviour without knowing the facts and the whole story. It’s ridiculous and disappointing.”
