F1, Max Verstappen goes down hard: broadside on “second guides”

The Dutch driver: “After a few races you have to accept your role, and understand that the driver next to you is just better”

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in an interview with ViaPlay did not spare barbs when talking about “second guides.” The two-time world champion did not name names, but the reference to teammate Sergio Perez, with whom he had some tense moments in the season finale, seems clear.

“A driver starts every year with a clear mind. After a few races end, however, he may realize that he cannot beat his teammate and accepts his role. You continue to race, win podiums, maybe win a few races and make a few poles. But you have to accept your role, understand that the rider next to you is just better.”

“It can happen. Bottas has been good and it is important that he has accepted that role. Some drivers fail to do that and then if things go wrong, they get kicked out. I don’t want to name names, but you have to accept your role, we are not in a fairy tale world.” Also at the interview was dad Jos, who was even more explicit: “A name I could name, but it’s not the time now.”