UNBELIEVABLE: “To My greatest dismay”, Christian Horner was deeply surprised and frustrated when Sergio Perez refused to aid Max Verstappen in the title race against Lando Norris.

With just a few races left in the season, the battle between Verstappen and Norris has intensified. The McLaren driver has made significant strides in recent races, closing the gap on Verstappen with a series of strong performances. Red Bull, on the other hand, has found themselves in a slightly precarious position, with Norris’ momentum threatening Verstappen’s chances of securing his third consecutive championship.

At this point in the season, every point counts, and having a reliable teammate is often the difference between victory and defeat. For Verstappen, Perez’s support could have been instrumental in securing key positions and helping Verstappen extend his lead in the drivers’ standings. However, Perez’s refusal to assist his teammate now puts more pressure on Verstappen to deliver on his own.

The decision not only affects Red Bull’s championship hopes but also raises questions about the dynamics within the team. Teammate relationships in Formula 1 are always delicate, but Red Bull has generally maintained a strong partnership between their drivers, especially during the successful run of titles with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

However, Perez’s refusal may indicate deeper issues brewing within the team. There has been speculation for some time that Perez, feeling overshadowed by Verstappen’s success and prominence within Red Bull, may be less willing to sacrifice his own ambitions for the sake of the team. His refusal to comply with team orders in this situation only fuels these rumors.

Sergio Perez, who joined Red Bull in 2021, has often spoken about wanting to fight for his own place in the championship. While many see Perez as the clear number two driver to Verstappen, Perez has shown glimpses of his own potential and has earned respect for his racecraft. After the race, Perez addressed the controversy, stating, “I am here to race for myself as well. I respect Max, but I also have my own goals. It’s not always about following orders.”

Perez’s comments suggest that his ambitions extend beyond simply playing the role of a supporting driver. However, in a sport as competitive as Formula 1, individual goals must often be balanced against the needs of the team, especially when a world championship is on the line.

With the season nearing its end, Horner and Red Bull Racing now face an uphill battle. While Verstappen remains a strong contender for the title, Perez’s decision not to support him in the fight against Norris could have lasting implications. For now, all eyes are on Red Bull as they attempt to manage the internal tension and focus on securing their place at the top of the sport.