Verstappen will not step aside for Perez: 'Then I win'

The Mexican GP is on the calendar this weekend and in Mexico City, Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez can make himself immortal by winning the race. To do so, however, he will have to beat teammate Max Verstappen and that does not seem to be going without a hitch.

With three races left, both season titles are already in with Red Bull and Verstappen. With 13 wins behind his name, the Dutchman is joined by Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher for the record of most wins in a single season. In Mexico, Verstappen will want to overtake the two Germans, which means it will not be easy for Perez to take victory in front of his home crowd. Indeed, Verstappen will not help him, the Red Bull driver told Telegraaf reporter Erik van Haren.

In the Formula 1 podcast of the Dutch newspaper, former F1 driver Christijan Albers looks ahead to the Mexican GP. The analyst sees that Perez still falls short of ensuring a so-called front row lockout (P1 & P2) together with Verstappen during qualifying this year. According to Albers, it will therefore also be difficult for Perez to win in front of his home crowd. The interlocutors agree that it can only happen if Verstappen drops out.

Van Haren asked Verstappen what would happen if he was in front just before the finish with Perez right behind him. That chance has not proved to be great in recent years, but Verstappen said, "Well, then I win. That also means Charles Leclerc finishes behind Perez and that's what matters when you look at the second spot in the standings."