Max Verstappen branded ‘selfish and spiteful’ by F1 Netflix star amid Sergio Perez row

Max Verstappen branded ‘selfish and spiteful’ by F1 Netflix star amid Sergio Perez row,World champion Max Verstappen has been heavily criticised by F1 fans and media for his refusal to obey a Red Bull team order and give up sixth place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Max Verstappen branded ‘selfish and spiteful’ by F1 Netflix star amid Sergio Perez row

F1 world champion Max Verstappen has been blasted for his refusal to help teammate Sergio Perez at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

An in-house row has erupted at Red Bull after Verstappen deliberately ignored a team order to let Perez pass him in the closing stages. The extra points for sixth place would have helped the Mexican in his battle to secure second place in the drivers’ standings ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

After the race, Verstappen was asked “what happened?” by his engineer, who received a sharp reply from his driver. “I told you already last time,” he said. “Guys, don’t ask that again to me. Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.”

READ MORE: Sergio Perez 'admitted' to Red Bull that Monaco crash was deliberate, claims Dutch pundit

Team principal Christian Horner apologised over team radio to Perez, who said: “This shows who he really is.”

There are suggestions that Verstappen’s stance stems from the Monaco Grand Prix, where Perez crashed on his final lap in qualifying, denying the Dutchman another run. Perez started ahead of Verstappen on the grid and won the race.

However, given Perez has helped Verstappen on several occasions during their two years as teammates, the Dutchman’s stance has been slammed by many fans and pundits.

One of his most vociferous critics has been broadcaster Will Buxton of the official F1 TV channel and regular talking head on the hugely popular Drive to Survive show on Netflix. Buxton, who regularly interviews Verstappen, has published a series of stinging tweets about the 25-year-old's conduct.

What do you think about Verstappen's conduct? Tell us in the comments section below.

Max Verstappen has been heavily criticised for his refusal to give up sixth place for Sergio Perez (Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Soon after the race, he posted: “While Max is every bit a deserving two time champion he showed today he has much to learn about what it is to be a team leader. For everything Checo has done to help his cause, today’s result means nothing to Max in the wider view. Disrespected his teammate and his team.”

This morning (Monday), Buxton went even stronger: “If, and it’s big if, this relates to Monaco, the team should have dealt with this by now. It should have been discussed and resolved. Verstappen should be long past it. And given how the season played out his sole focus should be on the team game.”

He then added: “Red Bull has never had a 1-2 in the drivers championship. That’s now their stated aim. His refusal to help them in that desire yesterday showed petulance and a sad and selfish short sighted spitefulness. He’s not the complete racer yet. Nor the talisman they need. Much to learn.”