'Accept your role' – Max Verstappen fires warning to F1 teammate Sergio Perez

Max Verstappen appears to have fired a warning to his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez whilst aiming a dig at Sir Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes partner Valtteri Bottas.

Verstappen is currently enjoying the Formula 1 off-season as a two-time world champion after cruising to the title in 2022.

It was an incredibly dominant campaign for the 25-year-old, though one that was soured somewhat by his treatment of teammate Perez at the penultimate race in Brazil back in November.

Red Bull had asked Perez to let Verstappen overtake him in an attempt to chase down cars ahead and salvage some points, but told the Mexican that the Dutchman would let him back through if he failed to overtake anyone.

Verstappen, having already sealed the title by this point, failed to make a pass and as such was ordered to give the position back but refused to do so, before angrily berating his team over the radio.

Perez responded in kind and the two drivers were summoned to a meeting with Red Bull’s hierarchy to sort the dispute, with team principal Christian Horner later saying the matter was water under the bridge.

But rumours suggest that tensions between the pair are still very high, and could escalate next season should similar incidents occur.

But given Verstappen’s influence, there is every possibility that he could call for Perez to leave the team should he grow unhappy with his teammate.

While Red Bull would prefer to avoid another toxic inter-team rivalry, like that of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber from 2009 to 2013, they do have a great replacement lined up in case, after former star Daniel Ricciardo rejoined the team as a reserve driver for 2023.

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