Max Verstappen refuses to criticize Sergio Pérez. When the Dutchman is asked during a press conference if he ever feels ‘lonely’ at the front – because his teammate rarely finishes in the top five – he blames the car. After all, in recent weeks, the RB20 has been outperformed by the vehicles of Ferrari and McLaren.
“I think it’s been quite difficult for us since the GP of China (late April),” Verstappen responded. “Other teams have certainly overtaken us. The upgrades from the competition are really effective when you talk about performance – even for me, it’s hard to consistently be on the podium,” he compared himself to Pérez. Verstappen hasn’t won since the Spanish GP. Pérez, in turn, hasn’t been on the podium since the Chinese GP.
‘Car needs to be improved’
“As long as we improve our car, that will also help Checo,” Verstappen continued, aware that McLaren and Ferrari have a faster package. “That’s what we’re trying to work on.” Verstappen can’t comment on the rumors that Pérez might be replaced by Tsunoda or Lawson. Some sources reported this week that he might be out after the GP of São Paulo. Meanwhile, the team management is increasingly pressuring him in the media.
Yuki Tsunoda, who was present at the same press conference, is certainly working hard to prove himself to the Red Bull top. He emphasized that he is ready to work with Verstappen. “I definitely think I can be a good teammate,” the Japanese explained. “In the end, he (Verstappen) is always the driver you want to ride with. He is currently the very best and has so many different skills. I’m just focusing on what I need to do right now. So far, I haven’t managed to reach Red Bull, but we’ll see how it turns out.
