Verstappen must be careful: 'Something like that can also cost you the support in the team'

Ralf Schumacher has a clear opinion on Max Verstappen's refusal of team orders. The two-time world champion did not want to give up his position to his teammate at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The former Formula One driver thinks Verstappen needs to stop being so stubborn.

In the closing stages of the race, Verstappen was instructed by Red Bull Racing to pass Sergio Perez for sixth position. This is because the Mexican driver is fighting Charles Leclerc for second place in the drivers' championship and needs all the points.

Since Verstappen would not let his teammate past, Perez now leaves for Abu Dhabi with the same amount of points as Leclerc. The two-time world champion has promised that he will help Perez in the final race of the season, though. The exact reasons why Verstappen refused to move ahead of his teammate are unclear, but it is possible he had a bone to pick with Perez. The Mexican reportedly crashed deliberately in Monaco.

'Verstappen needs to man up'

Schumacher voices his criticism of the Dutchman at RTL. "I think Sergio Perez proved in his first year how much he can fight for the team. It's just a bit of selfishness. Sure: he [Max] is super successful, but something like that can also cost you the support in the team. I don't know if it's worth something like that. He needs to man up and not be so stubborn," the German is quoted by Speedweek.com.