Picture Credit: Twitter
The reigning Formula One champion Max Verstappen has hit back at the social media trolls and targeted abuse towards his family members as 'sickening', 'disgusting' and 'unacceptable' after he refused to allow team-mate Sergio Perez to go past him to sixth place at Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Notably, Verstappen's act drew a lot of sharp reactions from F1 fraternity as his teammate Sergio Perez was seeking to secure second place.
Red Bull is seeking a first one-two standings in the championship but Verstappen's refusal to comply with the team's wishes brought his teammate and Leclerc to level on points at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Amid massive backlash on social media, Verstappen has only cited past issue within the team to be the main reason but didn't specify the exact cause of his shocking behavior. Neither Max nor the Red Bull Racing has stated any explanation in regard with the issue.
Red Bull released a statement on Thursday admitting mistakes on handling the situation but claimed that Verstappen is 'an open and fair team player.' While commenting on the issue, reigning champion revealed that the issue has now been ironed out behind closed doors.
"We had a bit of miscommunication on Saturday and Sunday. After that race, we had some good discussion and we put everything on the table, and everything has been solved. But, to immediately put me down like that is ridiculous to be honest. All the things I have read are pretty disgusting," said Verstappen. He further cited attacks on his loved ones and termed it 'pretty disgraceful'.
"For me, that goes way too far when you don’t even have the facts of what actually was going on. That definitely has to stop. If you have problem with me, that is fine but don't go after my family because that is just unacceptable. I just don't understand when people don't have the full picture, they immediately start attacking me like that. I hope one day they actually understand what was going on because it is unacceptable behavior," added Max.
