Dutch media: 'Something serious snapped between Verstappen and Perez'

George Russell captured his first Formula 1 victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix and was welcomed by an enthusiastic Lewis Hamilton. For teammates Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, on the other hand, something seems to have snapped at the Sao Paulo circuit. The Dutch media find it striking that there is drama within the Red Bull Racing team, which has long held the two world titles.

De Telegraaf

"There didn't seem to be a blemish in the air and yet, totally unexpectedly, the oh-so-dominant Red Bull found itself in the eye of a strong storm after the Brazilian Grand Prix," writes De Telegraaf. The team will have to look ahead soon anyway, as Mercedes seems to have recovered in Brazil. Who knows, the team might return to title contention in 2023. "So was Brazil a sign of a renewed battle between Red Bull and Mercedes? It just might."

AD

According to the AD something snapped between the Red Bull teammates after Verstappen's action, who did not want to let Perez pass him for sixth position. It is a stark contrast to the Mercedes garage, where there was exuberant celebration. "Champagne, celebration and tears in the Mercedes garage. A spirited discussion at Red Bull Racing's rivals, one door down. Not even because of the loss after a difficult weekend without too much pace, but because of a wayward move by Max Verstappen, on the final lap. For two seasons, they at Red Bull Racing have wanted the world to believe that some kind of bromance has grown between Verstappen and his 'loyal Mexican minister of defence' Pérez, but something seems to have seriously snapped there."

NOS

There is a lot of confusion in the Formula One paddock about Verstappen's behaviour. The Dutchman has already had his second world title in his pocket since the Japanese Grand Prix, so a sixth-place finish is no longer needed. The NOS is puzzled.

"While George Russell was celebrating his first Grand Prix victory in Formula 1 with the Mercedes team, Red Bull Racing had to put out an indoor fire at Interlagos, the circuit of the Brazil GP. Verstappen's decision is notable as he is already a long-time world champion, while Pérez is still battling with Charles Leclerc for second place in the world championship. The Mexican and Monegasque are on 290 points."

Nu.nl

Russell may have won his first-ever F1 race, but all attention was on the altercation between Verstappen and Perez. Red Bull spoke sternly to both drivers after the Grand Prix. Hopefully, though, the Dutchman will help his teammate in Abu Dhabi to also secure the second spot in the drivers' championship.

"George Russell won his first career Grand Prix in Brazil on Sunday, but the story of the day played out with the team finishing sixth and seventh. For a moment it seemed like it was a crisis at Red Bull, which has long since been assured of both world titles anyway," reads the article from Nu.nl.