Verstappen and Perez laugh at title fight: 'Will continue to love each other'

With a victory in Monaco, Sergio Perez creeps closer to Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen in the championship. As a result, Verstappen does not hold the number one status within Red Bull Racing as easily as he did in 2021, but the Dutchman does not think this will cause any problems.

Still no number one status at Red Bull

In recent years, Verstappen had no reason to worry about his teammate's performances. After three seasons at the side of Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon didn't manage to get close to the leader, and Sergio Perez also struggled to keep up with Verstappen in his first year.

In 2022 it is a different story and it is reflected in the championship. Verstappen may be on top, but with his victory in Monaco Perez is now third by only fifteen points. Asked if this will have an effect on the relationship between the two, Verstappen says he does not expect it.

Relationship with Perez

''I don't think our relationship will change. It's very good now,'' Verstappen says, after which he is complemented by Checo: ''We'll continue to love each other, right?'' To which Verstappen confirms, ''Yes we will."

''Why would that change? We work well as a team and always try to get the most out of the car for the team. We accept it when someone does a good job and I think it's important to stay respectful to each other. May the best man win at the end. Of course we do everything we can on the track, but we have to stay respectful and score as many points as possible for the team,'' Verstappen said at the press conference.