Sergio Perez’s father Antonio Perez Garibay has waded into the row over who is the preferred driver in the Red Bull team.
Since joining Red Bull, people have claimed that they have shaped their strategy around his success, favouring the two-time world champion over his teammates.
With Verstappen and current teammate Sergio Perez locked in a tight battle for the 2023 Drivers’ Championship, Garibay has blasted these allegations of favouritism as a “lie.”
“That’s a lie. Let’s be clear,” Garibay told Marca.
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“Red Bull is a brand that costs many billions of dollars more than Checo and Max. It is a professional team that wants to win with its two drivers.
“From lap 1 or practice 1, they want their two drivers to be 1 and 2. There is no favouritism for anyone, it is all speculation.
“If the drivers were not at the same level, what is happening would not exist,” he added.
Verstappen’s success in the past has driven away some of his teammates, with Daniel Ricciardo, most notably, having refused to remain with Red Bull after reported infighting between the Dutchman and Australian.
However, Garibay doesn’t believe that his son will leave Red Bull anytime soon, feeling comfortable at the championship-winning team that has delivered several notable successes for the Mexican.
“It is a blessing. Checo no longer had a job two years ago but look at this new stage that Red Bull has opened for him,” Garibay said.
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“Checo is in the eyes of the world and one of the great ambassadors of any brand worldwide.
“This is thanks to the support of Red Bull.”
Perez is currently tied into a contract with Red Bull until 2024, having signed an extension in May 2022.