Gentleman's agreement Verstappen and Perez: 'This is why I let him pass'

Red Bull racing showed in France not only a strong display of strategy and racing skill, but also teamwork. Sergio Perez allowed his teammate to pass without fuss in pursuit of Lewis Hamilton's P1, something he eventually did with success. Speaking to the press, the racers explained the moment, as well as Red Bull's internal view of the battle between them.

"I knew that it was important for Max not to waste time. That's why I let him pass," Perez explained at today's press conference, quoted, among others, by the German Formel1.de.

Also, the Red Bull driver knows that his teammate in front of him would have done the same if the roles had been reversed. "A second can make a big difference. Max would have done the same for me too," said Perez.

Above all, Red Bull's new recruit emphasises the team's interests above both his and Verstappen's. Perez: "It's clear. We want to get the best out of ourselves, but the team comes first. We have to work together and get the best out of the team."

One rule

The drivers were also asked about Red Bull racing's view on mutual competition between the two drivers. Verstappen agreed that the Milton Keynes-based team has only one rule in this, and that is: "Don't crash."