F1 News

Verstappen defends Perez under heavy pressure at Red Bull

Verstappen defends Perez: 'Car is a big concern'

29 July at 19:00
10
  • Jeroen Immink

It is D-day for Sergio Perez. Today, Red Bull's top bosses will meet to discuss whether the Mexican, who is under high pressure, will be allowed to stay on at the Austrian racing stable. Perez also experienced a difficult race at Spa-Francorchamps. Max Verstappen seems to be defending his teammate and thinks Red Bull would be better off focusing on something else: the RB20.

Verstappen looks to put hand in fire for Perez

Because of Red Bull's dealings with drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon and Nyck de vries (who have all been sent away from Red Bull/Alphatauri), Perez's position has long been in question. While Verstappen is miraculously distancing himself from number two Lando Norris in the standings, the Mexican is struggling to keep up with the top drivers. As a result, McLaren in particular, is closing in hard on Red Bull in the Constructors' standings.

Despite Perez being under a lot of pressure, his teammate Verstappen wants to defend the Mexican. "I think our main concern is the car. That's what we should focus on mainly. Because I think if you look at Checo’s weekend, it was very positive. Of course, in the race, it just shows that we have difficulties with the tyres. I think still, the tyre life. That should be our main priority." the Dutchman revealed.

This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.