Verstappen claims rule changes helped Perez get closer to him

Max Verstappen believes team-mate Sergio Pérez is doing a good job at the team, with the Mexican's contract up at the end of the season.

Max Verstappen has started the 2022 season in emphatic fashion, having won every race he has finished so far this year.

His third victory of the year at the recent Miami Grand Prix saw the Dutchman close to within 19 points of championship leader Charles Leclerc.

The Red Bull Racing driver has demonstrated the same pace and determination which took him to the 2021 World Championship, despite the new generation of cars.

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Verstappen continues to strive for personal improvement, as he admitted to the media that the way he approaches a Grand Prix weekend hasn’t changed since winning the title last year.

“I think naturally every year you want to try and be better, but you need a car for that as well. Luckily, we have a very competitive car,” said Verstappen.

“From my side nothing really changes.

“You try to do the same, you want to be as consistent as you can be, try not to make mistakes and eventually try to get the best result possible every single weekend.

“You analyse every single race weekend and you try to be better again the weekend after but, from my side, the feeling as well is pretty similar.”

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With Verstappen revealing “nothing really changes” having won his first title, it appears his team-mate for next season will also be remaining the same.

Sergio Pérez told the media in Miami, that following the Grand Prix he had begun talking to the team about a renewal for next season.

The Mexican is currently without a contract for 2023, but has started the new season well.

Verstappen spoke out in support of his current team-mate, insisting that the Mexican is “a lot happier” this season.

“It seems like he’s a lot happier in the car, so that’s really good for the team,” Verstappen said.

“Of course, I think it helps to have a year with the team, and I think the new rule changes also helped, because everyone had to start from zero.”

Since joining Red Bull in 2021, Pérez has claimed victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as well as seven podiums along the way.

Most recently, Pérez clinched his first-ever pole position, at this year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Mexican driver has been a superb team-mate to Verstappen in his short-time at the team, having played a prominent role in the Dutchman’s championship win last year.

Pérez currently sits third in the standings on 66-points, 19-points behind his team-mate and 38-points behind Leclerc.