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2022 FIA Formula One World Championship
2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sunday, 20 November 2022
Max Verstappen has vowed to help Red Bull Racing team-mate Sergio Perez at the season-ending
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, November 20.
The pair's relationship came to a head in last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix when Verstappen ignored team orders by refusing to let Perez overtake him for sixth place in the closing laps.
It was a disappointing race for Red Bull as Mercedes claimed their first one-two finish of the season followed by the two Ferraris, with Verstappen and Perez only managing P6 and P7 respectively.
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The results meant that the Mexican dropped to third in the drivers' standings after Charles Leclerc equalled his tally of 290 points but moved up to second place by virtue of leading 3-2 in race wins.
Reigning two-time world champion Verstappen found himself well off the pace in Sao Paulo following a collision with Lewis Hamilton on lap 7, which was caused by the Dutchman and earned him a five-second penalty.
Perez allowed his team-mate to pass him on lap 67 with the understanding that the position would be returned if the 25-year-old failed to overtake Alpine's Fernando Alonso for P5.
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But despite team orders from engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to let 'Checo' through, Verstappen refused, telling him on the radio afterwards: "I told you already last time, you guys don't ask that again to me, okay?
"Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it."
However, Verstappen later told Sky Deutschland: "I sat down with Sergio, Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko] and I explained everything why I didn't let him pass.
"In the end you always have to look further and if he needs help in Abu Dhabi, then I will support him there."
2022 Brazilian Grand Prix
Winner: George Russell - Mercedes
Second Place: Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes
Third Place: Carlos Sainz - Ferrari
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