Red Bull says it has accepted Max Verstappen’s reason for staying in front of team-mate Sergio Perez at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend.
The team came under fire for its lack of teamwork amid Perez’s fight against Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ Championship.
Perez was critical of his team-mate after the race, pointing out that he has helped Verstappen on several occasions.
Verstappen explained after the race that he had reasons to not let Perez through, with some suggesting that Monaco’s qualifying session earlier this year was behind the matter.
Red Bull says that it has heard from Verstappen and accepted his reasoning, but asserted it will stay private between the team.
“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,” a statement read.
“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.”
Red Bull criticised hate comments that it received on social media following the exchange, saying they are a “depressing reality” for it to deal with.
“The events that followed from a social media point of view are completely unacceptable,” the statement added.
“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.”
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