Did Sergio Perez take a jab? Max Verstappen defends his former teammate over comments and emphasizes that their relationship is intact and still good.
Max Verstappen once again made one of his more snappy appearances at the press conference in Spielberg on Thursday, blocking questions or sometimes entire topics and once again making it clear to everyone present that he finds the media rounds and what he considers to be the same old questions annoying.
However, the world champion reacted with great composure in one instance, gallantly defusing a story right from the start: When asked about comments made by his former teammate Sergio Perez, who had spoken about his time at Red Bull and also about Verstappen in the podcast Desde el Paddock, the Dutchman explained that he was not disappointed:
“No, because I also think that the way you’re phrasing it now is not how he meant it,” Verstappen told a journalist regarding possible tensions between the two. Instead, he emphasized: “I have a very good relationship with Checo. I think we’ve always been great teammates. I have great respect for him, and he for me—that’s all I can say.“
In the podcast, Perez described Verstappen as someone ”who bottles things up inside until they eventually come out—usually on the track.” The comment was mainly referring to the events of 2022: “Max had a problem with what happened in Monaco,” said Perez: “He never spoke to me directly about it, but kept it to himself and only brought it up six or eight months later.”
Verstappen on Perez: “We have a great relationship”
At the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Dutchman refused to help his teammate, which led to a row: “But we cleared that up at the time… That’s just how Max is, he keeps things to himself until they come out at some point – usually on the track,” Perez continued. However, this assessment does not necessarily have to be interpreted negatively – as Verstappen himself seems to agree:
“For me, it doesn’t matter what the media says, I know who Checo is – and we have a great relationship,” said the Red Bull driver, who, according to his own statement, is therefore looking forward to “seeing him again soon in the paddock.”
Especially since he still owes the Mexican something: “I still have to give him one of my helmets. I promised him because he gave me one of his – with a very nice dedication.” He therefore hopes to see his former wingman again at the latest at the race in Perez’s home country of Mexico…
