Max Verstappen sees Sergio Perez finish as the runner-up in the world championship

Sergio Perez may not finish the season in second place in the championship. Currently, the Mexican driver has a 20-point lead over Lewis Hamilton, who is third in the championship, with four races left to go, including a sprint in Brazil this Saturday.

Checo’s season had started very well with two victories, in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, out of the first four races. But the Miami Grand Prix in May marked a turning point for Perez. He finished second in the race, behind his teammate, despite starting from pole position. In the following three races in Monaco, Spain, and Canada, he did not make it onto the podium. His end of the season was catastrophic, with an abandonment in Japan, only one point in Qatar, and an abandonment in the first lap of his home Grand Prix.

Verstappen is showing his support for Perez.

Despite Checo’s setbacks, his triple world champion teammate openly supports him. “I am confident that Checo can stay ahead because I believe that, on average, we have the fastest car,” said Verstappen during the drivers’ press conference.

The Dutchman is even ready to help his teammate if the need arises. « I think that in the end, it shouldn’t always matter to me to get the points. I think last year, we didn’t really talk about the team orders situation before the race weekend. Let’s just hope that we won’t find ourselves in that situation. I think it’s better for everyone », added Max Verstappen.

During a press conference, Max Verstappen also explained that he was not there to choose his teammate and that he was just focusing on racing.

I find it a little unfair to sit here and say who I would prefer as a teammate or anything like that. I mean, they have been great teammates [Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez], and it’s not up to me to make those kinds of decisions because I am very focused on my own performance.

« So, I mean, if it’s Checo next year, then, you know, all the better. I have a great working relationship with him, but personally, I think he’s a great guy. »

Last year, during the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen refused to let Sergio Perez pass when his team asked him to on the radio, which sparked controversy.