Max Verstappen has hit back at rumors he could be trying to force Sergio Perez out of the Red Bull F1 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 place Sergio Perez.
Sergio Pérez’s father, Antonio, then added fuel to the fire by claiming that his son was pushing an equal hierarchy at Red Bull.
“He must chase 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, getting 1-2 has not hit them hard.”
Former Red Bull Racing team-mate Daniel Ricciardo arrived on time as third driver, but all sides insist there are no problems between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
“Daniel’s deal is for very specific reasons,” Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner said this week.
“We have an agreement with the Czech Republic for the next two years and this year he has taken a good step forward.”
“They have both done an incredible job for the team and there is no reason to believe that will change as long as their contractual commitment to the team continues.”
However, German expert source Sport1 suggested this week that 25-year-old Max Verstappen is lobbying for Daniel Ricciardo to replace Sergio Perez.
Max Verstappen denies it.
“We have a good relationship,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
“It’s almost the same as before.”
Asked what went wrong at F1’s Brazilian Grand Prix, which is reported to be “revenge” for Sergio Perez’s deliberate crash during qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen said, “I explained. But people still don’t to understand,” he said.
“They don’t understand what goes 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’s setup is shared between the two 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 being 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
