Franz Tost claims it “doesn’t matter” who Max Verstappen’s teammate is at Red Bull

Franz Tost reckoned that Red Bull might stick Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen's teammate for the future.

Franz Tost claims it “doesn’t matter” who Max Verstappen’s teammate is at Red Bull

Franz Tost [L], Max Verstappen [C], Sergio Perez [R] (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 for the past two seasons. The Dutch driver has been in a league of his own compared to rivals including teammate Sergio Perez. Many have questioned the Mexican driver’s performance slump this season. Now, former AlphaTauri Team Principal Franz Tost has reckoned that there would be no difference if Verstappen was partnered with another driver.

Tost claimed that it simply didn’t matter if Perez was the Dutchman’s teammate or if it was someone else. The 67-year-old was convinced that Max Verstappen is currently the fastest driver at the pinnacle of motorsport. Subsequently, Franz Tost believed that such a massive parity would have existed even if Checo was not at Red Bull.

It doesn't matter who is beside Max Verstappen, I think that he is simply the fastest [in F1]
Franz Tost told RacingNews365

Moreover, the former AlphaTauri boss highlighted that Red Bull’s philosophy played the biggest role in this affair. Tost reckoned that the Austrian team had the present dynamic in a bid to win the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship. The 67-year-old pointed out that Verstappen was the de-factor leader at Milton Keynes.

FS Video
It depends on the team philosophy. Red Bull Racing want to win the Drivers' Championship, as well as the Constructors’ Championship and then you have to find the best possible combination. I think the combination they have now is very good, because Max is clearly the leader of the team.

Franz Tost believes Red Bull is happy with Verstappen-Perez line-up

Sergio Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 and has stayed with the Austrian team since. The Mexican driver has managed to complement Verstappen at Milton Keynes as the Dutch driver went on to win three consecutive world titles. Although Checo has mentioned his ambitions for winning the world championship as well.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)

Franz Tost claimed that since Perez had managed to finish second in the standings this season, Red Bull would be satisfied with the Mexican driver. As the Milton Keynes-based team bagged another Constructors’ championship this season. However, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has made it clear that the team can look for alternatives for 2025.

Perez is fast enough to finish second in the championship and they [Red Bull] are winning the Constructors' Championship. So what more do you want?

Certainly, Sergio Perez managed to deliver some decent results in 2023. However, the Mexican driver suffered from a massive downturn in fortunes mid-way through the season which endangered his seat for the future. As such, Checo would need to be more consistent next season if the 33-year-old wants to stay at Milton Keynes.

In case you missed it: