Perez on relationship with Verstappen: 'Great degree of respect for each other'

According to Sergio Perez, the atmosphere within the Red Bull Racing team is much better than people on the outside think. After the incident in which Max Verstappen snatched the point from Perez's nose on the final lap, there were question marks between Perez and Verstappen's relationship. The Mexican put an end to all uncertainty.

"We have a lot more respect for each other than people might think," said the five-time Grand Prix winner in an interview with Motorsport.com. "Behind the scenes, there is a great atmosphere within the team. There is a lot of respect between both sides of the garage. I think we are both mature enough to know what is right and wrong. As long as that is the case, I don't expect any changes."

Perez is also going for the world title this year. The difference after the last Grand Prix is 15 points. Perez himself is confident: "Nobody is in as good a shape as Verstappen, there is no doubt about that. So combined with the team and with the car, he is definitely the hardest driver to beat. So I have to get the maximum out of myself to bring my highest level every weekend."

Whether Perez can actually take the fire from the Dutchman remains to be seen. At the end of April, the Mexican will get another chance in Baku to stay ahead of the Limburger.