Earlier this season, Max Verstappen made a highly controversial decision, drawing much criticism and speculation.
Arguably, the 2022 Brazilian GP was a one-off for the Red bull racing team. The team had a rather perfect season securing both championships. However, the Brazilian GP was one to forget from this season. Not only both the drivers failed to secure even a podium – it was the only race other than the season opener in Bahrain in which both the red bull drivers failed to finish in the top 3.
Furthermore, the controversial radio exchange between Max Verstappen and his team stirred the F1 news headlines. The radio message came in response to a team order given to Verstappen. Much to everyone’s surprise the Dutchman directly denied following the order.
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The instructions were clear and straightforward. Max Verstappen had to give up his sixth place to his teammate Sergio Perez who was in seventh behind him on the last lap of the Brazilian GP. Verstappen however refused to give up his place. It is important to note that at that point, the sixth place had no value for Verstappen as the 24-year-old had already secured the Drivers’ title. Perez on the other hand was still fighting for his second place in the championship with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. So, the extra two points mattered a lot for the Mexican driver. This led to some heated radio messages and comments post-race.
Stuck not impressed by the actions of Verstappen
Verstappen defended his acts after the race. The Dutchman clarified that he had reasons to deny a direct team order. Regardless, Hans Joachim Stuck was not impressed by Verstappen’s actions:
“From my point of view, it had to do with a lack of discipline. The first commandment in Formula 1 is to follow the team’s instructions unconditionally, because the drivers have signed a contract”,
Stuck told in a conversation.
Stuck had a conversation with former team boss Bernie Ecclestone just after the race. He was also critical of Verstappen:
“He was very clear about it. If one of his drivers had not complied with such an instruction, Bernie would have thrown him out.”
Stuck also clarified that he would have handed Verstappen a penalty personally for this incident.
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