Sergio Perez has been quizzed on Max Verstappen‘s future after the reigning world champion cast doubt as to whether he will stay at Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen, 26, was at the centre of the explosive row at the all-conquering Formula One constructors, with Christian Horner‘s alleged ‘sex texts’ scandal threatening to tear the team apart.
The Dutchman’s father, Jos, publicly called for Horner to quit while racig director Helmut Marko has also reportedly sided with the Verstappen’s.
In Saudi Arabia, Verstappen said he would leave Red Bull if Marko is forced to leave the team, leading to speculation that the three-time world champion could join Mercedes.
Yet despite the tensions away from the track, Red Bull have started the campaign as if everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet, with Verstappen winning the first two races of the season.
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Sergio Perez has addressed speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future
Verstappen could leave Red Bull, in what would Perez admitted would be a ‘blow’
Perez has finished second in both races, in a strong response to his poor 2023, and the Mexican insists spirits are good at the Milton Keynes-based firm.
‘I think the team is in a very strong position because, I mean, with the results we’re currently having, the harmony that there is in the team, I think to achieve that it just takes a lot of years probably,’ he said in the FIA press conference.
‘And right now the dynamics, everyone in the team is working really well together. The whole engineering group is really united. You can see that on track and how efficient we’ve been in the last year.
Perez admitted it would be a ‘blow’ to see Verstappen walk away.
‘So I think I don’t see any reason to change it. And it will be a blow for the team if Max were to leave.’
The Dutchman has been embroiled in the Christian Horner row erupting inside the team
It has also been reported that Verstappen’s contract contains a clause which states that he is free to leave the team if Marko leaves his position. Perez confirmed his deal does not contain a similar clause.
‘I don’t have that clause,’ he said. ‘I don’t know what clause Max has in his contract. I think it’s best you ask him. I think Max, as far as I know, has a contract with the team and is fully committed with 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. And I think for us to be talking about other drivers when we don’t know any facts, I don’t see any point to do so.’
