Max Verstappen has hit back at rumors he may be trying to force Sergio Perez out of Red Bull F1’s other cockpit.
The image of a harmonious team was shattered at the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix when Max Verstappen refused to give way to second-placed Sergio Perez.
Sergio Pérez’s father Antonio then added fuel to the fire by claiming his son was pushing an equal hierarchy at Red Bull.
“He has to pursue wins and pole positions in every race,” Antonio Perez told Esto.
“It’s not just a race for one side, it’s a race for both sides. For the team, not having a 1-2 hit them hard.”
Red Bull Racing’s former teammate Daniel Ricciardo arrived in a timely manner as third driver, but all sides insist there are no issues between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
“Daniel’s deal is for very specific reasons,” Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner said this week.
“We have a contract with the Czech Republic for the next two years and this year he has taken a good step forward.”
“They have both done an amazing job for the team and there is no reason to believe that will change as long as the contractual commitments to the team continue.”
However, German expert source Sport1 suggested this week that 25-year-old Max Verstappen is actively lobbying for Daniel Ricciardo to replace Sergio Perez.
Max Verstappen denies it.
“We have a good relationship,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
“It’s practically the same as before.”
When asked what went wrong at the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix, which is reported to have been “revenge” for Sergio Perez’s intentional crash during qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen said, “I explained. But people still don’t understand,” he said.
“They don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes during the season. People think I’m not a team player, but I’m very open.”
For example, Verstappen says the car set-up is shared between both sides of the garage.
“I always do the set-up with GP (Gianpiero Lambiase), usually on the other side of the garage,” said Verstappen.
“Nothing is said, but that’s fine with the team. Both cars have to be good. We’re not holding back on anything.”
Category: F1 / Max Verstappen / red bull / Sergio Perez