Red Bull’s key adviser Helmut Marko has dismissed rumours of growing tension between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after the latter lost out on the fastest lap point when the Dutchman scooped it at the last minute.
Verstappen’s move appeared to be in violation of team orders, with Perez stating post-race “They told me I had the fastest lap and to keep the pace, a certain pace, so I thought the communication was the same to Max.
“We need to review because I got certainly the different information and I just couldn’t push it there,” the Mexican added.
Defending Verstappen’s actions, Marko explained that “both of them adhered to the instructions more or less.”
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“Five laps before the end, they were told they could drive at full speed. Checo is also a good tactician, so he also tried to set the fastest lap but made a mistake in the first sector and that was that,” Marko said.
“But we have two top drivers and we have to make sure we get as far ahead as we can before the wind tunnel penalty has an impact,” the advisor continued.
Even though he finished behind Perez, by grabbing the fastest lap point, Verstappen denied the Mexican the chance to lead the Drivers’ Championship for the first time in his career.
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After two races and trading first and second, Verstappen has 44 points, while Perez is right behind him on 43.
Former F1 driver Timo Glock warned that Verstappen’s behaviour in Jeddah could have wider ramifications for the team throughout the season, as Perez could refuse to support his teammate.
“Sergio Perez will not get involved in any topic in which he will have to support Verstappen in the future. I’m sure of that because the Mexican sees his chance to fight for the title with Verstappen,” Glock told Sky Deutschland.
“This will lead to a fight between the two. We can expect that there will be friction. Red Bull is certainly already aware of this.”