Rivalry with Perez good for Red Bull: 'Verstappen never afraid of competition'

Impressive

In conversation with Motorsport.com, Lammers talked about his impressions of Red Bull following the winter tests. "It looks very impressive," says the Zandvoorter. "We haven't seen everything from Mercedes yet, so it's difficult to assess the current situation exactly. But at Red Bull, they themselves are in any case very satisfied with everything they have done."

Lammers even thinks Red Bull could end up fighting Mercedes for the world title this year. "I do think this is going to be Red Bull's strongest year," Lammers said.

The arrival of Perez

Lammers thinks the arrival of Perez will contribute to this. "I expect a year where in terms of stability it will be similar to the good years with Max and Daniel Ricciardo. I think Perez will be a kind of resting point. They will be pretty close in the races in terms of performance."

Mutual rivalry

Whether Perez can really make things difficult for Verstappen remains to be seen, but even then Lammers sees no problems for Red Bull. "The Verstappens are super-fanatics, but they are also real motorsporters. They are the first ones who will have respect for the fact if Perez is just doing well." Indeed, that rivalry is also good for Verstappen. "Absolutely. Max is never afraid of competition. I think in that respect it could be Red Bull's best year for Max."