Red Bull Racing have defended Max Verstappen's actions during the Brazilian Grand Prix, and 'accepted' the Dutchman's reasoning for the team order refusal. The Red Bull duo of Verstappen and Sergio Perez endured a controversial ending to the Brazilian GP. Verstappen refused to obey a team order to allow Perez to pass, with the Dutchman adding that he had his 'reasons' for not allowing the overtake, which is believed to relate to an intentional crash for Perez at the Monaco GP . In a statement released ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Red Bull claimed that they gave Verstappen little warning about any team orders, and "accept" the Dutchman's reasons for not obeying the order. "As a team we made some mistakes in Brazil. We had not envisaged the situation that unfolded on the last lap and we had not agreed a strategy for such a scenario before the race," the statement read. "Regretfully, Max was only informed at the final corner of the request to give up position without all the necessary information being relayed. "This put Max, who has always been an open and fair team player, in a compromising situation with little time to react which was not our intention. Following the race Max spoke openly and honestly, allowing for both drivers to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns. "The Team accept Max's reasoning, the conversation was a personal matter which will remain private between the team and no further comment will be made."
Red Bull responds to social media abuse
Red Bull also addressed social media abuse that followed in the aftermath of the Brazilian GP incident. The statement continued to reveal that the abuse involved death threats, hate mail and "vitriol towards extended family members". "The events that followed from a social media point of view are completely unacceptable," the statement continued. "The abusive online behaviour towards Max, Checo, the Team and their respective families is shocking and saddening and unfortunately is something that we as a sport are having to address with depressing regularity. "There is no place for it in racing or society as a whole and we need to do and be better. At the end of the day this is a sport, we are here to race. "Death threats, hate mail, vitriol towards extended family members is deplorable. We value inclusion and want a safe space for everyone to work in and enjoy our sport. The abuse needs to stop."
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