MAX Verstappen is still the favorite to be the fastest in the next round of the Formula 1 Australian GP this weekend.
The three-time world champion from the Netherlands leads his teammate, Sergio Perez, in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. But the celebrations were overshadowed by the split of the team and allegations against Christian Horner.
The long-serving Red Bull boss was cleared of inappropriate conduct involving a female colleague.
But the unnamed woman has appealed to parent company Red Bull. He is also said to have submitted a request to the FIA regarding this matter.
Horner has guided Red Bull to six constructors’ world championships and seven drivers’ world championships since 2005, including the last three won by Verstappen.
Despite the machinations of problems with the team, the victory in Saudi Arabia was Verstappen’s ninth win in a row. So, he is still the favorite to become champion again in Australia later.
Also read: Verstappen accuses Hamilton of not obeying the rules at the Australian GP
“It’s been a good start to the year and we don’t yet know the full potential of the car, so now we want to keep this momentum going,” said Verstappen.
Meanwhile, another Red Bull racer, Sergio Perez, is the only racer who has succeeded in trailing Verstappen this year.
The Mexican racer was determined to keep up the pressure as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc continued to chase him.
“Max is racing at a very high level and I think he is the only rider who has maximized qualifying and racing so far this season,” said Perez.
“It’s very fun because I get the best challenge from it. I have to continue to improve from weekend to weekend,” he added. (AFP/Ndf)
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