Verstappen: 'Comparison between Perez and Ricciardo not possible'

Max Verstappen has devoured quite a few teammates in his years as an F1 driver. Where Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo were the only ones for a long time, the number of teammates has increased in recent years. Since Ricciardo's departure from Red Bull, Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly have tried in vain to support the Dutchman.

Sergio Perez is third in the standings and, for now, doing what Albon and Gasly could not. Still, Verstappen tells Sky News that he can't compare Ricciardo and Perez. "I don't know. Daniel was very good but I raced against him at a time when I was a bit younger and inexperienced myself. That's why I can't really compare him to Sergio Perez."

Yet so far it clicks between the Dutchman and the Mexican. "My relationship with Perez is excellent and things are going extremely well with the team. We are now leading the title race and I hope we can continue to do so this year." Indeed, it's also reflected in the performances of both drivers, which are so good that Red Bull are currently leading the fight for the constructors' championship.

Gasly and Albon did not perform as well as Perez in their time at Red Bull. Yet Verstappen does have a lot of praise for the Frenchman and British Thai. "With Pierre and Alex I also had a good relationship. They are just great drivers. Gasly feels great in the AlphaTauri and it's impressive to see what he can do in that car. The fact that he regularly qualifies in fifth or sixth place and has even managed to win in 2020 is great. I'm very happy for him."

Gasly, despite performing well last year and this year, looks unlikely to have to consider a seat at Red Bull for the time being, while Albon is currently settling for a role as reserve driver and minutes behind the simulator.