Verstappen: “My relationship with Sergio is not going to change”
Following his victory in Monaco, Sergio Pérez has closed the gap to his teammate in the championship. This situation should not change the relationship between the two Red Bull drivers.
Thanks to his third career victory, obtained masterfully on the wet track of Monaco, Sergio Pérez has come back to just 15 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen. An internal battle could thus be unfolding between the two drivers from the Austrian team in the fight for the world championship crown.
In recent years, the reigning world champion had no reason to worry about a potential threat from his garage neighbor. After three seasons alongside Daniel Ricciardo, the Dutchman was never put under pressure by the successors of the Australian, whether it be Pierre Gasly or Alexander Albon. In his first season in Milton Keynes in 2021, Pérez also failed to reach the level of Jos’ son.
In 2022, the story is different. Always in a good position, the Guadalajara native feels that he has a car capable of competing for the title and intends to make the most of it. His results since the beginning of the season show that he has raised his game and has come closer to Verstappen in pure performance.
In a press conference after the Mexican’s victory in the Principality, the two drivers reassured each other about a possible deterioration of their relationship due to a potential internal struggle for the title: « I don’t think our relationship will change. It’s very good at the moment,” said the Dutch driver. Pérez then asked him if they would continue to love each other: « Of course! » Verstappen added.
Why would that change? We work well as a team and always try to get the most out of the car for the team. We accept it when someone does a good job and I think it’s important to remain respectful towards each other. The best will prevail in the end. Of course, we give our all on the track but we owe each other respect and scoring as many points as possible for the team, he concluded.
An internal battle between the Red Bull drivers, combined with the existing rivalry between the Austrian team and Ferrari, would add spice to a 2022 season that already lacks none!
