Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner stated that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez had “shaken hands” after the Sao Paulo GP controversy.
Verstappen was allowed to overtake Perez in the closing stages of the Sao Paulo GP in order to chase Fernando Alonso. The Dutchman was told to give the position back to Perez in case he would not overtake the Alpine driver.
However, Verstappen did not let Perez pass and crossed the finish line in 6th place. Perez was 7th which allowed Charles Leclerc to catch the Mexican in the Drivers’ Championship.
Perez was frustrated with Verstappen’s actions. Horner revealed that the matter was discussed internally.
“We discussed it behind closed doors, the drivers have discussed it.
“As a team, our focus – going into Abu Dhabi, with Charles and Checo tied on points – is to do our best that we can to support Checo, to achieve second place.
“Max has obviously made that commitment as well so, as far as we’re concerned, it’s about looking forward, not looking backward.”
Furthermore, Horner said that he would not “disclose what’s discussed behind closed doors”.
He added: “As a team – and Max has made that clear as well – whatever we can do to achieve [second place for Perez in the Drivers’ Championship], as a team, we will.
“It’s something that we’ve never achieved as a team previously, even in the V8 era, so it’s going to be an exciting Abu Dhabi for other dynamics, fighting for second in the championship this year.
“It’s been discussed behind closed doors, and I think the drivers are all very clear.
“They know what the objective is, they’ve cleared the air with each other, they’ve shaken hands, and we focus on the next race in Abu Dhabi.”
