Max Verstappen attacks media in Abu Dhabi for 'sickening' reports

Max Verstappen on Thursday hit back at what he called "sickening" and "unacceptable" news reports and online threats following his refusal to follow team orders at last Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

In an angry rejection of the narrative created by events at Interlagos, where he ignored team orders, the 25-year-old Dutchman made an impassioned response to his critics.

The two-time world champion was asked in Interlagos to allow his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to pass him, but he refused in a curt rebuke on team radio that surprised the Mexican and many close observers.

No clear picture

He also refused to explain his motives and continued to do so on Thursday when he was adamant that he had been miscast by reporters, claiming he was a team player with a great relationship with Perez.

"After that race, I looked very bad in the media, but they didn't have the clear picture," said Verstappen.

"To put me down like that is ridiculous to be honest because they don't know how I work in the team and what the team appreciates about me. All the things I have read are pretty disgusting."

He went on to add: "Even more than that, they started attacking my family, my sister, my mum, my girlfriend and my dad.

"That definitely has to stop. If you have a problem with me, that is fine but don't go after my family. I hope one day they actually understand what was going on because it is unacceptable behaviour.

"So many people, and in this paddock to be honest, not only fans. A lot of people, what they have been writing about me is ridiculous."

Red Bull had wanted to earn Perez an extra point in his bid to beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to second place in the drivers' championship this season in order to record their first one-two.

Perez was