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Max Verstappen’s 2022 Sao Paulo Snub: The Inside Story Finally Revealed – Where Max Verstappen refused to follow team orders to let Sergio Perez reclaim sixth place

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 25, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Max Verstappen’s 2022 Sao Paulo Snub: The Inside Story Finally Revealed – Where Max Verstappen refused to follow team orders to let Sergio Perez reclaim sixth place

Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing pose for a photo in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 19, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202211191447 // Usage for editorial use only //

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The infamous moment in the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen refused to follow team orders to let Sergio Perez reclaim sixth place, has finally been clarified. In a candid interview, Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, shed light on the controversial incident that had fans and critics questioning the reigning World Champion’s motives.


The Sao Paulo Saga: A Team Promise Broken?

As the 2022 World Champion, Verstappen had no personal stakes in Sao Paulo, but his teammate Sergio Perez was locked in a fierce battle for second place in the Drivers’ standings with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Late in the race, Red Bull instructed Verstappen to let Perez pass, ensuring the Mexican could earn two crucial points. However, Verstappen refused, citing “reasons” linked to past events—a decision that ignited a storm of criticism.

Jos Verstappen has now revealed that Max entered the weekend under the impression that Red Bull would not ask for team orders, only to be caught off guard by the mid-race request. According to Jos:

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“Max had talked about it before the trip to Brazil and they weren’t going to ask, and suddenly that question came over the onboard radio anyway. Max responded very clearly then too. He leaves no room for doubt, even in this area.”


The Verstappen Approach: Winning at Any Cost

This incident underscores Verstappen’s unyielding drive and personal code of conduct. Even when victory isn’t on the line, the Dutchman remains steadfast in his principles. Jos acknowledged that Max likely wouldn’t have reacted any differently under similar circumstances.

“Max would have had trouble letting his teammate pass,” Jos admitted, highlighting his son’s unwavering competitive spirit.

This attitude contrasts sharply with the team dynamic seen at McLaren in 2024, where Lando Norris begrudgingly gave way to Oscar Piastri at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Piastri went on to win his first race after McLaren orchestrated the swap, but Jos critiqued the strategy:

“They must have regretted that later. But if I translate it to Max, I think he would have had trouble letting his teammate pass.”


Max’s View: A Champion’s Mentality

Max Verstappen has consistently emphasized his belief in racing on merit. While he didn’t elaborate on the “past events” influencing his decision in Sao Paulo, his father’s comments suggest a deeper alignment with his competitive philosophy: team orders only make sense when agreed upon beforehand.

This perspective is reinforced by Max’s reaction to McLaren’s Hungarian GP decision, implying that contractual agreements and team strategies significantly influence such moments.

“Everyone is different and has to react in the way that suits them,” Jos reflected.


Legacy of the Snub

For Verstappen, Sao Paulo 2022 remains a defining moment, exemplifying his refusal to bend under pressure—even from his own team. While it may have cost Perez a shot at second in the championship, it solidified Verstappen’s reputation as a driver who races on his terms.

As Verstappen himself remarked later:

“When there are tough times, it’s very easy to say goodbye or forget about it or ignore it. But I think it’s way more important to face them and go through it together.”


Fan Debate: A Necessary Defiance or a Team Betrayal?

Was Verstappen’s refusal a show of strength or an unnecessary defiance? Did Red Bull mishandle their communication, or was Max justified in his stance? As fans, we’re left to ponder whether Verstappen’s approach enhances or hinders the team dynamic in a sport driven by collective success. Let’s hear your thoughts—did Max make the right call?

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