Max Verstappen and co are reported to be irate with Nico Rosberg following the pundit's comments at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
It was an indifferent weekend for the Verstappen family, despite the reigning world champion storming from 15th on the grid to finish second behind teammate Sergio Perez. That was after suffering engine problems on Saturday, which curtailed his qualifying session prematurely.
But in the aftermath of the race, despite Red Bull team members wildly celebrating another one-two finish, the Dutchman didn't hide his disappointment: "Of course, in general, the whole feeling in the team, everyone is happy, but personally, I’m not happy,” he said. “Because I’m not here to be second, especially when you are working very hard also back at the factory to make sure that you arrive here and in a good state, and basically, you know, making sure that everything is spot on."
Rosberg was scathing about the 25-year-old on Sky Sports, saying he should be more 'gracious' about matters. And he was critical of him reportedly leaving the track early after qualifying and skipping a team meeting, saying: "I think that’s not a good approach, not a good mentality this early in the season."
In a further twist, dad Jos was then vilified by fans and pundits alike for appearing to snub Perez as the Mexican stood next to him and embraced engineers. However, new footage has now emerged of the 51-year-old appearing more respectful than initially thought.
The F1 Chequered Flag YouTube page showed a slow motion clip of a quick high-five between the two. Previous videos had shown the former driver turning his head away from Perez with a look of disdain.
Fans however, were still sceptical as to whether it was a willing show of harmony from the veteran, with @El Beto Estrada saying: "It was Checo the one who extended his hand to Jos, you can see that in the official broadcast too." @Arturo Ledezma added: "It was Checo who gave him another chance, and Jos verstapen couldn't say no."
And according to PlanetF1, Verstappen and his team are unhappy with the conduct of 2016 world champion Rosberg. And it's not the first time the star has fallen out with Sky Sports personnel.
Red Bull boycotted interviews with the station at last season's Mexican Grand Prix, after accusing pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz of being 'disrespectful'. He had suggested that Lewis Hamilton was "robbed"of the 2021 title amid the controversial Abu Dhabi finale, when Verstappen took his maiden F1 crown.
