Max Verstappen asserts Red Bull’s ‘biggest worry’ should be it’s car and not Sergio Perez

Max Verstappen pointed out that Red Bull needs to focus on its car before making a decision on Sergio Perez's future.

Max Verstappen asserts Red Bull’s ‘biggest worry’ should be it’s car and not Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The 2024 Belgian GP went through a lot of drama, George Russell won the race ahead of Lewis Hamilton. However, stewards had to disqualify Russell for breaking the minimum weight of car norm and hand the win to Hamilton. Max Verstappen on the other side started from 11th position on the grid and managed to finish fourth which wasn’t bad. Teammate Sergio Perez started from third but was pushed to seventh by others.

Max Verstappen in the post race interview was asked about Sergio Perez’s future with the team post summer break. The Dutchman said, he would not like to give a personal opinion on that matter. He stated the meeting was likely focused on evaluating Checo’s performance. Verstappen emphasized Perez’s decision is internal and team’s choice, he is focused on his own path in the team.

I don't need to have an opinion on it.
Max Verstappen said.
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Further, Max Verstappen stated that currently the teams main concern should be about the performance of their car and not Perez. He believed that their focus should be on improving and developing the car to ensure better results in races. As Verstappen had noticed the car didn’t have proper balance in Hungary last weekend. Therefore, the Dutchman reckoned internal decisions about drivers are crucial but the priority should be on improving the car’s performance.

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I think our biggest worries isn't with my teammate but with the car, that's what we'll have to focus more on.
Max Verstappen added.
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Max Verstappen stated that he doesn’t think Sergio Perez was holding him up, as Checo was simply driving his own race and doing his best. Verstappen mentioned that the team made the right decisions, and it wouldn’t have made much difference if Perez had pulled earlier. The Dutchman appreciated Checo’s performance during the race despite his position loss. He believed that enhancing the car is more important than worrying about specific race situations with teammates.

No, he was also just driving his own race. We made the right choice in that and it wouldn't have made much difference to me if he would have pulled over earlier.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by formula1.nl
Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen
Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Verstappen explained, currently the team’s main goal should only be the car, and that’s what they must focus on during the summer break. Working on improving the car’s performance is the most important task at hand for Red Bull. The 26-year-old also mentioned that, in his opinion, Checo Perez had a positive weekend. Perez’s performance was good overall, and he contributed well to the team.

Our first concern is the car, that's what we have to focus on at the moment. Checo's weekend was positive in my opinion.
Max Verstappen added.

Certainly, Max Verstappen mentioned the team’s first priority should be improving their car and not focusing on their drivers. Verstappen is optimistic about the second half of the season where he believes Red Bull will bounce back. He managed to gain another 12 points to defend his title which could be crucial later in the season.

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