Red Bull have accepted the reasons given by Max Verstappen explaining why he ignored team orders last weekend.
Running sixth, the Dutchman was told on the last lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix to allow Sergio Perez to pass through. But Verstappen refused to allow his team-mate by, despite him needing points in his battle for second place with Charles Leclerc.
"I told you already last summer, guys, don't ask that again to me. Okay? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons, and I stand by it," the champion said over the radio immediately after the race. Meanwhile, a furious Perez retorted: "This shows who he really is."
Now that the dust has settle several days later, Red Bull have released on official statement on the matter. In it, they took responsibility for the mix-up and absolved Verstappen of any blame.
"As a team we made some mistakes in Brazil," said the team. "We had not envisaged the situation that unfolded on the last lap and we had not agreed a strategy for such a scenario before the race.
"Regretfully, Max was only informed at the final corner of the request to give up position without all the necessary information being relayed. This put Max, who has always been an open and fair team player, in a compromising situation with little time to react which was not our intention.
"Following the race Max spoke openly and honestly, allowing for both drivers to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns. The team accept Max's reasoning, the conversation was a personal matter which will remain private between the team and no further comment will be made."
Red Bull also revealed the extent of and condemned the vitriol directed at both drivers and the team in the wake of the incident. The statement added: "The events that followed from a social media point of view are completely unacceptable. The abusive online behaviour towards Max, Checo, the team and their respective families is shocking and saddening and unfortunately is something that we as a sport are having to address with depressing regularity.
"There is no place for it in racing or society as a whole and we need to do and be better. At the end of the day this is a sport, we are here to race. Death threats, hate mail, vitriol towards extended family members is deplorable. We value inclusion and want a safe space for everyone to work in and enjoy our sport. The abuse needs to stop."
