Jos Verstappen dismisses Perez claim about Max and Red Bull

14:44, 06 Nov

Updated: 15:07, 06 Nov

byOwen Bradley

Jos Verstappen has dismissed claims from Sergio Perez that the Red Bull car is specifically tuned and built for four-time champion Max Verstappen.

I would say the same, in Perez's case. But I, and everyone close to the action, know that's not the case.

- Jos Verstappen to De Telegraaf

Sergio Perez will return to Formula One next season with Cadillac alongside experienced team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

However, whilst work and progress is underway at Cadillac, Perez shared his thoughts on being teammates with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, with the Mexican driver stating: "Being next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max in Red Bull, it's something people don't understand."

Sergio Perez. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Perez drove alongside Max Verstappen from 2021 until 2024 and after some initial success with the Milton Keynes-based team, the Mexican driver endured a difficult end to his time at Red Bull, with his last podium with the team coming in April 2024 at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen's RB21 proved to be difficult at the start of the season, where the Dutchman at one stage was over 100 points adrift from Oscar Piastri in the championship fight. However, since the summer break and since Laurent Mekies joined Red Bull as Team Principal, the team has begun to take strides in order to bring Max Verstappen back into the title chase.

Jos Verstappen on Max's 'Unique ability'

Jos Verstappen said: "Max has the ability to adapt to the car in all circumstances. He turned an inferior car into a winning one. That's unique. I think it's noticeable now, because the difference with the second driver is enormous, and that was also the case last year."

Max Verstappen now sits just 36 points behind title leader, Lando Norris, in the standings with four Grands Prix remaining and an additional two sprint races. Meanwhile, Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda, has scored 28 points this season and sits 17th in the Drivers' Championship.

Verstappen Sr. continued: "Sometimes even the brightest minds don't understand why a car reacts differently, but Max has the ability to adapt to the car in all circumstances. Of course, he gives feedback on how the car feels, but that's normal. Everyone says it's all about him. Sorry, but that's really not the case."

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