The 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix produced a plethora of talking points for fans and pundits to dissect.
Mercedes ensured that they would not finish the season winless at the penultimate hurdle by securing a stunning an unexpected one-two in Sao Paulo, handing George Russell his first ever victory in Formula 1.
Things did not go so well at Red Bull however, as the team who had dominated the entirety of 2022 failed to find a tyre that worked for them, resulting in neither of their drivers standing on the podium.
In a bid to help Sergio Perez in his battle for second place in the championship with Charles Leclerc, Red Bull ordered Max Verstappen to let his teammate past, as the Mexican has done for him on many occasions.
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The 25-year-old explosively refused however, causing Perez to claim that “it shows who he really is” as he was forced to travel to Abu Dhabi level on points with Leclerc.
Rumours have circulated that Daniel Ricciardo could replace Perez at Red Bull should his relationship with Verstappen not improve, but team principal Christian Horner has claimed that the pair’s relationship is as good as new.
“Not every conversation has to be covered through digital media and so on. The drivers had a good conversation after the race in Brazil, the air was absolutely clear, you could see that by the time they’d arrived in Abu Dhabi, and I think this has been a phenomenal pairing for Red Bull,” explained Horner.
“They’re both pretty grown-up individuals and they both have an open relationship with each other. So when if ever there is an issue, it gets discussed, it gets put on the table and you talk it through.
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“I think communication is always the best way to deal with any issue and you know, Sergio is an experienced guy, he’s been around a long time.
“He’s a very well-rounded guy and Max [is] very much a straight shooter as well, and the two of them have always enjoyed a decent relationship and I just see that continuing.”
Red Bull have been urged in recent weeks to enlist the services of McLaren star Lando Norris, as the Brit continues to exceed expectations year after year.
With Perez’s contract at Red Bull expiring at the end of 2024, Red Bull would most likely make Norris their top target ahead of the 2025 season, should Perez not renew with the energy drink giants.