Verstappen says rift with Perez resolved

World champion to help Red Bull teammate at Yas

Formula One champion Max Verstappen says he has resolved a conflict involving Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and is prepared to help him at the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen also hit out at what he said were unfair media reports and abusive messages aimed at his family on social media.

Last Sunday, he refused a team order to let Perez through for sixth place at the Brazilian Grand Prix and said yesterday his reasons will “stay between myself and the team.”

“It was about something that happened earlier in the season and I already explained that (at the previous race in) Mexico and the team understood and agreed,” he said.

Red Bull said it accepts “Max’s reasoning” about the incident and condemned abusive comments on social media aimed at both drivers, their family members and the team. “Death threats, hate mail, vitriol towards extended family members is deplorable,”

]Red Bull added. “We value inclusion and want a safe space for everyone to work in and enjoy our sport. The abuse needs to stop.”