In the previous season, Perez narrowly missed securing the second position in the drivers’ championship, finishing three points behind Charles Leclerc. In a critical moment at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Max Verstappen refused to assist Perez by giving up a position, leading to his eventual second-place finish. This trend continued into the season-ending Abu Dhabi race when Verstappen declined to hold up Leclerc to create an opportunity for Perez to attack.
Natalie Pinkham, a Formula 1 expert, commented on the situation, saying, “There’s a ruthless streak in both Max and Christian Horner. They’re highly competitive people with an incredible work ethic, but crucially, there is that ruthless streak, which winners need. It isn’t about having empathy for who finishes second.”
