Verstappen has clear message for Perez: 'Don't give away presents'

Max Verstappen would favour his teammate Sergio Perez if the Mexican manages to take victory in his home country this weekend. However, Perez should not expect to get this one as a gift, the reigning world champion stressed in conversation with Viaplay.

Verstappen knows better than anyone what it is like to experience a home race. Expectations were once again high at this year's Dutch Grand Prix, while he also had many other commitments around the race weekend. However, it did not keep him from victory.

He expects Perez to handle the conditions well as well. "I have to say that he is someone who is pretty relaxed anyway, so I didn't notice that he is more bothered about it," Verstappen said. "He is a bit busier around the weekend, but other than that I don't think it matters much."

While Verstappen secured his second world title in the Japan GP, he and his team managed to win the constructors' championship in the United States last weekend. It ensures that Verstappen seemingly has little left to fight for in the coming races.

However, the Red Bull Racing driver looks at it differently. "I don't know exactly who can think like that. In a Formula One race, you don't normally give away presents. If he is faster, then he is faster and he can win it," he points to Perez.