Former Toro Rosso driver slams Perez and Red Bull: 'Zero sportsmanship'

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14 December 2021 at 09:32
Last update 14 December 2021 at 10:02
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  • GPblog.com

Sergio Perez did a fantastic job in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, slowing Lewis Hamilton for a lap and a half. Max Verstappen was able to get eight seconds closer as a result, putting him right back on track. Will Buxton is enthusiastic, but former Formula 1 driver Sebastien Bourdais is anything but.

Buxton enjoys Perez

Buxton, presenter of the official Formula 1 channel, wrote on his Twitter Sunday during the GP that he was enjoying Perez's performance at the Yas Marina Circuit. "The Red Bull just doesn’t look like it’s got the race pace to keep up with Mercedes as Verstappen slips back again but my word what an incredible piece of defensive driving from Perez. Sensational."

Holding off Hamilton proved crucial to grabbing Verstappen's world title. If the Dutchman had not come closer to the seven-time world champion, Hamilton could also have made a free pit stop under the virtual safety car. Then it would have been a lot harder for Verstappen to grab the title.

Also criticism on Red Bull

Bourdais incidentally does not agree at all with what Buxton writes on his social media. The former Toro Rosso driver had a higher opinion of the British journalist than this. "I thought you loved racing, that was BS. I can't begin to understand how Perez can be happy with himself and how people applaud him for what he did.
Purposely slowing down and using every dirty trick to impede Hamilton. Zero sportsmanship, from the whole team really."

Bourdais raced for Toro Rosso from 2008. However, just over a year later, after the 2009 German Grand Prix, the Frenchman was sacked again due to disappointing results. Perhaps there is still some old grief in the 42 year old.

Bourdais not happy at all