MAX WAS IN RIGHT LANE

DAVID COULTHARD EXCLUSIVE | F1 legend backs World champion over team orders row and adds: If Checo doesn’t like it, then go... he’s not delivered like Verstappen

- DANIEL MOXON

DAVID COULTHARD believes Max Verstappen was RIGHT to ignore Red Bull team orders over the Sergio Perez row.

And the Formula 1 legend even suggested that Perez – Red Bull’s No.2 driver – should be more grateful for his seat.

Verstappen has already won his second world title and Red Bull’s focus is now on a clean sweep by making Perez runnerup in the drivers’ championship.

But last Sunday, with Verstappen leading his teammate on the final lap at the Brazilian GP, Red Bull told the Dutchman, 25, to let Perez pass so he could get more points.

Verstappen refused, replying: “I told you already last summer, guys, don’t ask that again to me. Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.”

Perez, 32, fumed: “This shows who he really is.”

Verstappen has been widely blasted for not being a team player and Mexican Perez now goes into today’s final race of the season joint second with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.