The Red Bull "bromance" between drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen came to an abrupt end (or pause) during the latter stages of the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix after Verstappen ignored team orders which would aid his teammate in securing second in the driver's championship against Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
Although Verstappen's race had been difficult from the get go, things started to worsen for the Red Bull team after the second safety car, that was deployed in order to retrieve the stricken McLaren of Lando Norris. Perez found himself on medium tyres at the restart whereas others around him were on softs, the faster of the tyre compounds. It quickly became evident that the mediums were the wrong tyre and the Mexican found himself dropping down the order. Verstappen, who was on softs, soon caught up with his teammate and was given the go ahead to pass and attempt to take points from Perez's championship rival; Leclerc. However, this wasn't meant to be and Verstappen was ordered to give the place back to Perez. But after ignoring these orders from the team, Verstappen finished the race in 6th ahead of Perez in 7th.
Perez, aka Checo, struggled to comprehend as to why his teammate would refuse to help him, especially "after all I have done for him." A phrase which has become extremely pivotal in the aftermath of the fall out.
It's no secret that Perez is the number two driver at Red Bull. So, what exactly has he done to help Verstappen? Keep on reading below to find out.
Abu Dhabi 2021
Let's begin with the big one; Abu Dhabi 2021. It was the season finale of all season finales and will be heavily remembered - for all the wrong reasons.
It was to be Verstappen fighting his Mercedes rival; Lewis Hamilton, for that year's championship crown. And, with Hamilton jumping Verstappen at the start, the Dutchman's dream of a first World Championship was slowly starting to unravel.
Perez, on the other hand, was having a decent race. By making his tyres last longer, he stayed out during the first round of pit stops, taking the lead in the process. Hamilton soon caught up to back of Perez but was unable to pass with ease. Perez's job was to hold Hamilton up where he could and he did just that which enabled Verstappen to rejoin the championship battle that he eventually won, although controversially. (If you don't know this story, where have you been?!) Post race interviews indicated that Verstappen was appreciative of his teammates efforts, even going as far to label him a "legend."
Baku 2021
This particular race weekend in Azerbaijan ended in tears for Verstappen when he experienced a tyre failure late on in the race. It was relatively obvious at this point in the season that Perez wasn't to be a contender in the 2021 world championship but did, thanks to Verstappen's DNF, have a chance at taking victory in Baku.
Verstappen's tyre failure meant the safety car was deployed and the restart wasn't overly easy for Perez with Hamilton right by his side. But, despite Hamilton getting the better get away out of the two drivers, Perez was the winner of that particular battle after pressuring Hamilton into Turn One leading to the Brit locking up and going straight into the run off area.
Perez took his first win for Red Bull at this race. Not only did he win the team a good haul of points for the constructors championship, his battle with Hamilton saw the Mercedes driver finish outside of the points saving Verstappen the pain of loosing a handful of points to his rival.
Barcelona, 2022
Verstappen had a trip through the gravel early on in the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix in which Perez took advantage off and passed his teammate.
Once everyone had taken to the pits, Perez found himself leading the race. But, unfortunately for him, he was on a different strategy to Verstappen and was told not to hold up his teammate as he approached from behind.
Perez, who commented "that's very unfair, but okay," pulled aside for his teammate, letting him take the lead and therefore win the race. As a consolation, Red Bull fitted soft tyres to Perez's car enabling him to gain a extra point when he set the fastest lap of the race.
This only a small handful of examples where Perez has helped Verstappen. And, there's plenty more to add to that list. It really puts into perspective how much of an aid Perez has been to the Dutchman over these past couple of seasons.
But was Verstappen right to deny Perez P6 in Brazil? Everyone has their own opinions. And, unfortunately, it looks like we will never know the reasoning behind Max's rebellious actions, despite the rumour mill working at full swing. And, in accordance to their statement, was Red Bull right to defend Max over the incident? Again, make what you want of it.
There's no denying Perez has sacrificed a lot in order to help his teammate in the past. But what has happened has happened. Perez, Verstappen and Red Bull seemed to have built a bridge. Maybe us fans should too.
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