Will we see a team duel at Red Bull? Perez will be really close to Verstappen'

Next year should be the year of Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen has a new teammate in Sergio Perez and Honda's final year also means that the Japanese engine supplier will be pulling out all the stops to take the world championship and end Mercedes' dominance.

Giedo van der Garde sees Perez as a good addition to Red Bull and Verstappen has nothing to worry about as the team's front-runner. "Max is obviously a top driver and one of the best drivers on the grid. Perez is not much behind him. So I don't rule out that he will be really close to Max in some races," Van der Garde explained in a conversation with Motorsport.com.

Verstappen team leader again?

The Dutch racing driver expects Verstappen's experience to be of great importance next season. "He has made steps again and he has been able to lead the team to good performances. He knows how to put a good car together and how to make sure the whole team has the same goal."

"I think his goal is going to be to get five to seven wins next season". Last year, the Red Bull driver won two races, including the final race of the season. However, he was well beaten by Lewis Hamilton, who knew in Turkey that he would be champion.

Titles for Red Bull next season

"So I hope Max can tackle him a bit this time and still be in the race for the title by the end of the season. It won't be easy. It will depend very much on what Mercedes come up with next," Van der Garde concluded.