Perez says It would be a 'huge blow' if Verstappen was to leave Red Bull

In Australia, took quickly focused on Max Verstappen and his possible departure from Red Bull Racing. Sergio Perez, who had joined the press conference, was asked if he knows more. Does the Mexican also have such a clause and what is the atmosphere like within the team?

"I don't have that clause. I don't know what clause Max has in his contract. I think it's best [better] you ask him. I think Max, as far as I know, has a contract with the team and is fully committed to the team. The rest, I think it's not for me to comment. It's nothing to do with me. I'm focusing on my decisions, on what I have to do. I think for us to be talking about other drivers when we don't know any facts."

How Perez looks at Verstappen's situation

It is understandable that Perez does not have the clause in his contract. After all, Perez's contract expires at the end of 2024 and he could therefore leave the team at the end of 2024. Verstappen's contract is somewhat different, with a contract up to 2028. Given that Perez did not want to comment on Max's possible clause, he was asked about Max's possible departure and what that would mean for the team.

"I think the team is in a very strong position because with the results we're currently having, the harmony is there in the team. I think to achieve that it just takes a lot of years. Right now everyone in the team is working really well together. The whole engineering group is really united. And you can see that on track and how efficient we've been in the last year. So, I think it's a very strong position. I don't see any reason to change it. It will obviously be a blow for the team if Max were to leave."