The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix also ended up being a big Red Bull show. The only exception to the season opener in Bahrain: this time Sergio Pérez landed in front of world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutchman then complained about this, which in turn earned him a scolding from Germany’s former world champion Nico Rosberg.
Actually, Max Verstappen should have been very satisfied with the outcome of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. But he wasn’t. Although the world champion put in a great fightback, stayed out of all the skirmishes on the narrow street circuit and ended up finishing second, the 25-year-old complained about his team after the race.
“I’m not happy. I’m not here to finish second. Especially not when you work hard in the factory, arrive here in a good mood and make sure everything is fine and then you still have to do a rescue race.” , Verstappen was annoyed that after the failed qualifying in the race it was all about damage limitation.
Normally he has nothing against such races, added the Dutchman, “but if you’re fighting for the world championship and you and your team-mate are the only ones fighting for the world championship, then we have to make sure that both cars are reliable,” complained the Dutchman about the qualifying defect on his drive shaft, which should also cost him victory in the race at the end of the day.
Rosberg criticizes Verstappen
Former world champion Nico Rosberg finds Verstappen’s words towards his own team far too harsh. “It doesn’t really give a good picture,” said the German after the race on “Sky Sports”. “It’s not a good approach this early in the season. Especially when the team has done such a good job with the car and is working so hard,” said the Wiesbadener, criticizing the Dutchman who, in his opinion, overshot the mark.
“I would say he could be a little more grateful,” Rosberg Verstappen reminded of the outstanding work that the Red Bull team has done for him in recent weeks and months.