Despite Red Bull having enjoyed a triumphant season, both in the Drivers’ and the Constructors’ Championships, it appears to be a somewhat frosty atmosphere currently following reports that Max Verstappen is trying to force Sergio Pérez out of the team.
The Dutchman was met with endless boos and jeers after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking his record-breaking 15th win of the season.
It comes as a result of the 25-year-old blatantly defying team orders at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he was asked to let his team-mate past for P6.
Verstappen has denied all claims and accusations that he’s trying to get his team-mate kicked out of the Austrian side; however, Pérez’s father certainly isn’t helping the matter.
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Despite both drivers having said to the media that their relationship is back to normal, Pérez’s father told the media that the Mexican is going to push for equal status at Red Bull.
“He has to seek to win all the races and all the pole positions,” Pérez senior told Esto.
“It’s a competition for both of them, not just for one. For the team, it hurt them a lot to have not achieved the 1-2.”
Whilst he is contracted until the end of 2024, Red Bull’s signing of former driver Daniel Ricciardo as a development driver will come as a warning to Checo.
Red Bull are known to fire a driver at any given time if they fail to perform, something that the 32-year-old might be subject to should his relationship with Verstappen continue to degrade.
Ricciardo would then be in an excellent spot to return to the sport; however, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has insisted that they have “no reason” to switch the duo.
“Daniel’s contract is very specific for a reason,” stated Horner.
“We have a contract with Checo for the next two years and he has made a good step this year.
“They’ve both done a phenomenal job for the team and we have no reason to believe that will change for the duration of their contractual commitment to the team,” Horner added.
Red Bull will want to ensure that Verstappen remains happy at the side, given that he is their star driver.
He is certain that his relationship with Pérez is “good” and hasn’t changed, despite what is being reported.
“Our relationship is good,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
“It is actually the way it has always been.”
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In relation to why he refused to give the place up in Brazil, which ultimately didn’t alter who came second in the Drivers’ Championship due to Charles Leclerc finishing second at the finale, Verstappen is certain that people wouldn’t “understand” his “reasons” should he even reveal them.
“If I explained it, people would still not understand,” admitted the Dutchman.
“They don’t understand what goes on behind the scenes during the season. People think I’m not a team player but I’m very open.”