Max Verstappen’s refusal to follow team orders at the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been a topic of intense debate among Formula 1 fans. Now, his father, Jos Verstappen, has provided clarity on the situation, shedding light on the Red Bull star’s controversial decision.
The Incident: Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2022
During the final laps of the race, Verstappen overtook his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez for sixth place. However, when asked by race engineer GianPiero Lambiase to return the position to help Perez secure second in the Drivers’ Championship standings, Verstappen declined.
The Dutch driver’s decision sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning his motives despite having already secured the 2022 World Championship title. Meanwhile, Perez was embroiled in a tight battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for runner-up honors.
Verstappen’s Reason: ‘No Room for Doubt’
Verstappen hinted at a past incident as a reason for his actions, but Jos Verstappen has now clarified the situation. Speaking to Dutch publication Formule 1, Jos revealed that Red Bull had initially agreed not to issue team orders before the race. However, this agreement was unexpectedly reversed during the race, prompting Max to stand his ground.
“Max had talked about it before the trip to Brazil, and they weren’t going to ask. Suddenly that question came over the onboard radio anyway,” Jos explained. “Max responded very clearly then too. He leaves no room for doubt, even in this area.”
Could Verstappen Have Acted Differently?
Jos Verstappen admitted that his son would have struggled to comply with such a request regardless of the circumstances. Drawing comparisons to McLaren’s controversial team order at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, Jos highlighted that Max’s competitive nature often overrides team politics.
At the Hungarian GP, McLaren’s Lando Norris yielded to Oscar Piastri after extensive radio exchanges, helping Piastri secure his first Grand Prix victory. Jos speculated that Max would likely have had difficulty making a similar concession.
“They must have regretted that later,” Jos said, reflecting on McLaren’s decision. “But if I translate it to Max, I think he would have had trouble letting his teammate pass. Everyone is different and has to react in the way that suits them.”
Conclusion: Verstappen Stands Firm
Max Verstappen’s refusal to yield a position to Sergio Perez at the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix underscores his determination to race on his own terms. With comments from his father shedding light on pre-race agreements and Red Bull’s sudden change of plans, the controversy highlights the complex dynamics of Formula 1 team orders.
Whether fans see Verstappen’s actions as justified or selfish, one thing remains clear—he is a driver who refuses to compromise, even in the face of criticism. As the debate continues, Verstappen’s legacy as a fiercely competitive champion only grows stronger.
