FIA president makes investigation ‘guarantee’ after Verstappen spat

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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists he will “not hide” from investigating the incident involving Sergio Perez during qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix if it becomes clear that something was amiss. Red Bull had to cool down both their drivers after an eventful Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend when Max Verstappen refused to give Perez back his place before crossing the line.

Verstappen was vague in his reasoning to the media, explaining that he had already “given his reasons”. Reports immediately indicated that Verstappen’s annoyance was to do with the Monaco Grand Prix when Perez crashed out in qualifying.

His incident triggered a red flag for the session, which left Verstappen unable to battle for pole and he ended up starting Sunday’s race behind his team-mate. Perez went on to win the Monaco Grand Prix with Verstappen making do with third on the podium.

But there was clearly bad blood between the pair last weekend, with Verstappen seemingly holding the belief that Perez crashed out on purpose. His Red Bull team-mate has maintained that it was a genuine accident, but social media has since been awash with videos concentrating on Perez’s throttle traces compared to different runs in qualifying.

Ben Sulayem admits no investigation is currently taking place to look into the incident in Monaco. However, he’s open to looking into any issue if a formal complaint is made with valid reasoning.

“I didn’t have anyone who said we want to investigate it from our side,” he told Autosport. “But if there is something to be investigated, we are more than happy.

“One thing truly I would say, I’m not shy or afraid of conducting or going into it if there is an issue. I will not hide. I will be even raising my hand and saying [if] there is an issue with the FIA.

“Otherwise, if I cannot do this, you will never improve and never evolve. That I can guarantee.” The two Red Bull drivers have since made up behind the scenes and are looking to make amends this weekend in the season finale.

Perez is aiming to finish second in the championship and needs to better Charles Leclerc’s result on Sunday. Both Perez and Leclerc sit on 290 points, while Ferrari are also in a battle with Mercedes to clinch second in the Constructors’ Championship.

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