Verstappen should have backed Perez and now risks rift with teammate

Max Verstappen created a remarkable moment at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Where everyone thought the Dutchman would let his teammate Sergio Perez go past, nothing could be further from the truth. Tactically, it is by no means the best choice of the two-time World Champion.

The Mexican is still in full battle with Charles Leclerc for second place in the World Championship. It would be a wonderful milestone for Perez, as the driver has never finished so high up the rankings in a season. However, when Red Bull Racing indicated to Verstappen that he should let his teammat pass, the Dutch driver decided to refuse.

The reason for Verstappen's action seems to have its origins in the race weekend in Monaco. At the time, he was on a flying lap. However, as Perez landed hard in the wall, Verstappen had to abort that lap. Reportedly, Verstappen had not forgotten that in Brazil and decided to do something in return.

Verstappen should have backed Perez

It is understandable that Verstappen was still not happy with Perez's action, but on the other hand, the Mexican has meant a lot to him over the past two seasons. Last season in Abu Dhabi, for instance, Perez managed to hold up Lewis Hamilton for a long time, allowing Verstappen to creep closer and eventually even take his first world title.

As a two-time World Champion, Verstappen would have been better off choosing to be mature and support Perez in his fight for second place. Not only would this have allowed him to show Perez that he was grateful for his hard work within the team, he would also have had a teammate who would also go through fire for him next race year. At the moment, that remains to be seen.