What the Dutchman said “I was very clear. Don’t ever ask me something like that again. I have already explained my reasons and I remain consistent with them.” So on the radio, at the end of the 2022 Brazilian GP, Max Verstappen responded to the incredulous Red Bull wall who couldn’t understand why Verstappen hadn’t given up sixth place to his teammate Sergio Perez to help the latter’s run-up to second place in the Drivers’ standings, a challenge that was ultimately lost to Charles Leclerc. In a recent interview given to the Swiss newspaper Blick, the four-time world champion underlined why from his point of view a driver must be very careful in carrying out any requests from the pit wall: “What if I would have slowed down like Piastri did twice in 2025? Certainly not – Verstappen’s words – if you do it once without a clear reason, you sell your soul. The team can then do with you what they want. And let’s not forget that Piastri was in the middle of the fight for the title.” The most controversial episode regarding Piastri’s slowdowns is undoubtedly the position given back to Lando Norris at the end of the Italian GP in Monza after the Englishman was damaged by a slower than expected pit stop. Verstappen had stifled a laugh during the race not believing his eyes: “All this just for a slow pit?” the winner of the GP had said.
