Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner says maintaining good communication is key to managing the relationship between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Christian Horner shared his thoughts on the friction between the two drivers in the second half of the 2022 season in a video on Speedcafe.com.
Sergio Perez was battling for second place in the drivers’ championship at the final round against Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.
Max Verstappen, who had won his second F1 world championship at the F1 Japanese GP, refused to help teammate Sergio Perez at the F1 Brazilian GP.
Max Verstappen was allowed to get ahead of Sergio Perez to chase and overtake Charles Leclerc in a difficult race for Red Bull.
But Max Verstappen was unable to pass Charles Leclerc. And then he refused to give the spot to Sergio Perez. He expressed his displeasure with his request over the radio, denying him the precious two points.
In the end, Charles Leclerc remained second in the drivers’ standings, three points behind Sergio Perez.
“They are both pretty grown up and have an open relationship with each other,” Horner said of his two drivers.
“Every time an issue arises, it is discussed, put on the table, discussed, but I think communication is always the best way to deal with an issue.”
“And Sergio is an experienced man. He has spent a lot of time.”
“He’s a very well-rounded guy. Max is also a very honest person.”
“They have enjoyed a decent relationship for a long time and I see it continuing.”
Questions about the relationship between Sergio Perez and Verstappen came to the fore over the weekend in Abu Dhabi. The team immediately set up a meeting to resolve the issue.
That led to speculation from the media trying to make sense of the situation, infuriating Max Verstappen.
The root of this problem is said to be traced back to Sergio Perez’s crash in qualifying for the F1 Monaco GP, and Max Verstappen is believed to have felt it was a deliberate act to secure pole position.
Sergio Perez has denied the allegations, but neither Verstappen nor the team have confirmed or denied that it was indeed the root cause.
Asked if more transparency could have handled the situation better, Christian Horner said: “Drivers have some rights to talk privately with each other.”
“You don’t have to cover every conversation with digital media or whatever.”
“The drivers had a good conversation after the race in Brazil. The air was completely clear and we could see it by the time they arrived in Abu Dhabi.”
“I think they are a phenomenal pair for Red Bull.”
“The success they have achieved over the past few seasons, and their joint performance this year to win the world championship for the first time in nine years, has been an amazing performance for both sides.”
“And I’m sure they will move forward, as they have done in the last few seasons.”
Category: F1 / red bull / Sergio Perez / Max Verstappen