“No fighting”. Don’t fight. This is the brief radio team that Sergio Perez received while the Red Bulls were intent on commanding the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after the first (and only) pit stop made by Charles Leclerc under the Virtual Safety Car regime.
The two RB18s were in the lead having chosen not to re-enter the VSC regime. With all the way clear in front of them, the team told Perez not to oppose Max Verstappen’s successful overtaking attempt.
This did not go unnoticed, because the radio team was sent live on television, so everyone was able to hear it and contextualize it with the change of position that took place in the first part of the race which, later, proved decisive for the fate of the grand prix. same.
At the end of the race, with Red Bull able to take home a great double made even sweeter by the double withdrawal of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr., the team principal of the Milton Keynes team, Christian Horner, explained better for what reason Perez was warned not to fight with Max.
At that juncture of the race the world champion’s RB18 was significantly faster than its sister number 11. Perez was suffering from graining on the rear tires, while Max had cleaner tires and, therefore, more performing than those of his teammate. It was therefore right to leave room for Max, who at that moment had more opportunities than Checo to put Leclerc in difficulty.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB18, passes Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB18
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“The difference in pace between the two riders was very significant. Already on Sunday morning we discussed the fact that if the same situation occurred between Friday and Saturday, the fastest would have had a free way. And in the race they did”, Horner revealed.
“2018 is not as far off as you think. So it was very important that the drivers, at this stage of the championship, were fair to each other. It’s about maximizing points compared to Ferrari. We know that at the moment they have a very fast car. We have seen how things can change quickly. So, as a team we have to prioritize two titles. “
Horner refused to talk about actual team orders. Everything was already agreed and shared on Sunday morning precisely to try to maximize a result on a track that is favorable to Red Bulls. Which, on the other hand, Ferrari was unable to do in Monte-Carlo.
“In Baku, the way things have turned out, as I said, these are not real team orders. It was simply a question of having a faster car and a slower one. And, as you know, Max had a significant advantage over Checo at the moment of overtaking “.
“Checo had quite heavy graining on the rear tires. So what we said on the radio was a question of: ‘Guys, don’t both fight against the wall.’ If a car is faster, let’s face it and focus on getting the best result. for the team, ”Horner concluded.
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, 2nd position, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, Red Bull trophy delegate and George Russell, Mercedes-AMG, 3rd position, on the podium
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
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