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More respect between me and Verstappen in F1 than people think
Perez has been hailed as the consummate team player in his side’s 2021 campaign, including a solid defense of Lewis Hamilton in the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi.
But the internal struggle has intensified as the Mexican becomes more competitive than Verstappen in 2022.
Perez responded: “It shows who he really is.”
The incident, although downplayed by Red Bull, caused a stir at the time and sparked speculation that Perez and Verstappen were not getting along.
But in Australia, Perez claims there is more mutual respect between him and the Dutchman than one might think.
“I’m also here to do what’s best for myself (but) honestly, we have a lot more respect for each other than people think,” he said.
“The internal team atmosphere is great, and all the engineers on the team have a lot of respect for each other.
Pole man Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, arrives at Parc Ferme
Photography: Steven Tee / motorsport pictures
“I think we’re all mature enough to know what’s right and what’s wrong. As long as that’s the case then I don’t want anything to change.”
Red Bull is miles ahead of its rivals in 2023, with Verstappen and Perez the only rivals to each other.
Perez said his newfound consistency in RB19 was a huge asset, but admitted he also needs to start beating Verstappen, who is “the toughest driver to beat”.
Verstappen has won two of the first three races in F1 2023, with Perez winning the remainder in Saudi Arabia after Verstappen started 15th.
“Of course, if I want to win the title, I have to beat Max on weekends and weekends and be consistent at that level throughout the season,” he explained.
“It’s all about the consistency of the season, you know. “You can win 15 races, but if in other races, you just crash and have a DNF and so on, it’s not enough. It’s just getting to that level of consistency and going game by game.
“Without a doubt, there is no driver like Max. With the team and the car, he is definitely the toughest driver to beat.
“It will require me to maximize my A-level game every weekend.”
Charles Leclerc was disappointed to qualify for the Spanish Grand Prix for the 19th time. The Monaco native is looking forward to what will be a tricky game for him. Leclerc expects tire management and pit stops to play a big role in the race. He told this in a press conference with GPblog and others.
Lewis Hamilton finished fifth in Spain. Due to Pierre Gasly’s penalty, the Briton could start from fourth. The Mercedes driver suffered a lot from a bouncing car, the Mercedes driver told GPblog and others at a press conference during free practice.
Lewis Hamilton finished fifth in Spain. Due to Pierre Gasly’s penalty, the Briton could start from fourth. The Mercedes driver suffered a lot from a bouncing car, the Mercedes driver told GPblog and others at a press conference during free practice.
Leclerc: 'We will see a lot of pit stops, we have our chances that way'
Hamilton on bouncing in Spain: 'We need to find out what it is'
Hamilton on bouncing car in Spain: 'We need to perfect it'
Formula E qualifying in Jakarta: Frijns last, Günther on pole again
Formula E qualifying in Jakarta: Günther on pole again, Frijns last
This is the time difference between Pirelli tyres in Spain
F1 LIVE | The third free practice for the F1 Spanish Grand Prix
Grid penalty for Gasly after incident with Verstappen in qualifying GP Spain
Provisional starting grid Spanish GP | Verstappen lonely at the top
Alonso vs Verstappen; who beats whom? 'Man, that is hard'
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