Verstappen praises Perez again: This is his new nickname!

Sergio Perez can't do wrong to Max Verstappen for the time being. The two had a great relationship this season at Red Bull. A relationship that only got better during the all-important Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

Perez frustrated Lewis Hamilton, who tried to overtake the Mexican for a long time. Hamilton eventually took so long to outsmart Perez that Verstappen could almost close the gap on the Briton.

In hindsight, Perez's action turned out to be one of the decisive moments in the title fight. In the laps leading up to the virtual and then real safety car situation, Hamilton was unable to gain enough distance on Verstappen to make a 'free' pit stop. The consequence is well known: Hamilton stayed out, while Verstappen did get new rubber twice. With the fresher tyres, Verstappen managed to pass Hamilton on the very last lap.

New nickname

Immediately after the race Verstappen called Perez 'a legend'. The world champion also said that the title would certainly not have been won without the efforts of the Mexican. Now Verstappen adds a new nickname. According to Sportscasting Perez now goes through life as 'Minister of Defense'.