Verstappen On Potentially Helping Perez: 'Let's Just Hope That We Don't Get Into That Situation'
F1Friday, 03 November 2023 at 15:00
Updated at Friday, 03 November 2023 at 23:34
Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen addressed whether he would potentially help Sergio Perez secure second place in the Drivers' Championship.
Last year's Sao Paulo Grand Prix brought some controversy after Max Verstappen refused to slow down and let Perez finish before him in order to get valuable points for second place in the Drivers' Championship.
A similar situation might potentially arise during the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos Circuit. Perez only leads on third Lewis Hamilton by 20 points, and every single point will count for the Mexican from now on.
Checo's Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who already won the Championship in Qatar, was asked if he would potentially help out his teammate this time around in Brazil. Verstappen told the media:
"Good question. At the end of the day, I think that it shouldn't always matter on me to get the points, but I'm confident that in Checo, that he can stay ahead, because I do think that, on average, we have the faster car."
The Dutchman did not really confirm he is willing to help his teammate out as he said Perez should be able to do it by himself, and he hopes it doesn't get to the situation where he would need to help his teammate.
"And I think also last year, it wasn't really well spoken about before we got into the race weekend. But yeah, let's just hope that we don't get into that situation. I think is better for everyone."
On the other hand, Verstappen acknowledged the pace of the Red Bull car had not been the best in 2022 when the Mercedes team scored a one-two finish.
"Last year we didn’t have a great race weekend here. And now, with also the Sprint format, makes it quite difficult to straightaway be on top of things."
There is only one practice session this weekend ahead of the qualifying session so drivers and their teams will have very little time to adjust their cars.
"We had a few ideas why last year was not that great but one practice session to make sure it’s better this year."
The three-time World Champion did not seem most optimistic when looking at the track characteristics in relation to the strengths of his Red Bull car.
"I think there’s a lot of high-deg here, and the way you have to set up the car, a lot of low-speed corners. I don’t think our car is particularly, let’s say, amazing in the low-speed corners, so I guess we’ll find out."
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