Debate | Has Verstappen revealed a Red Bull Racing secret?

Amid rumour, speculation and debate, Red Bull have remained firm. The team themselves, Christian Horner, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, have always linked back to the Mexican's contract for 2024. And, of course, that is true. Perez is contracted to drive for the Austrian team next season.

Safety net

It's been Red Bull's safety net if you like. But Red Bull have said it to suggest there is no doubt whatsoever about Perez's future. It makes sense. After all, you don't want to add even more pressure on Perez...

The world of Formula 1 is, however, certain there is doubt. There are questions. Suggestions. Rumours. Due to Perez's performances, it's not a surprise. In such a dominant season for Max Verstappen, Perez has struggled to get anywhere near him recently. So much so that Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is starting to breathe down his neck. To make it worse, the Brit has only scored points in one of the last three Grands Prix.

Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo excelled in the Mexican Grand Prix weekend by qualifying ahead of Perez in his AlphaTauri. This week, rumours emerged that Fernando Alonso could join Red Bull and, at one point, a possible switch between the two drivers was mentioned. This has since been denied. The same truthful line is repeated: Perez is contracted to drive for Red Bull in 2024.

Brazilian Grand Prix

During the media day in the FIA press conference, Verstappen sat in front of the media. He was asked to ponder whether he would prefer Ricciardo or Perez as a teammate. "If it’s Checo next year, then great. I have had a great working relationship with him, but also, personally, I think he's a great guy. And if it's Daniel, then also we will get along fine, and we have a great time," Verstappen responded.

Now surely, if there was no doubt about Perez's future at the team...Verstappen wouldn't have anything to ponder? There would be no need to use the word "if". So it seems like the Dutchman has let a secret slip. There really is doubt over who will drive for Red Bull next season.

Of course, it could be that Verstappen was being polite and just answering the journalist's question in full. He could just be putting himself into a hypothetical position and thinking aloud. But perhaps this is the most troublesome sentence Perez has heard all year...