Max Verstappen will once again be joined by Sergio Pérez in the second half of the season. Prior to the summer break, all signs pointed to Pérez being replaced by another driver. However, Red Bull gave him the benefit of the doubt and no change was made. Verstappen is also pleased with his teammate and wishes Pérez the peace he needs.
“I’m glad he can now focus on the rest of his season,” said Max Verstappen about Pérez. “He’s a very nice teammate. But to be honest, I haven’t been too concerned with all the rumors.” There was a lot of talk in the paddock about driver changes within Red Bull. Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda could have replaced Pérez, as could reserve driver Liam Lawson.
Battle with McLaren
“I’ve had a lot of discussions with the team about how we should proceed,” admitted Verstappen. “That’s what I’ve been most worried about.” The Dutch driver has not failed to notice that Red Bull is only 42 points above rival McLaren. The British team often had the fastest car on the grid in the first half of the season. Therefore, they are preparing for a title fight with Verstappen’s team in Woking.
Since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Sergio Pérez has collected 28 points. Max Verstappen has scored 137 points in the same period! Pérez, who is a total of 146 points behind his teammate, has now dropped to seventh place in the championship.
Everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort
Now in the store and available to order digitally (with free delivery in the Netherlands): our double-thick summer package with regular edition & the Dutch GP Special! With interim report Tom Coronel, interview Max Verstappen and how King Willem-Alexander secretly learned to race!
