Max Verstappen Breaks Silence on Sergio Perez's New Red Bull Deal
When Red Bull Racing announced the extension of Sergio Perez's contract until 2026, it was no secret that all eyes would be on Max Verstappen for his reaction. After all, the dynamics between teammates can shape the future of any racing team. Verstappen, who has been at the forefront of Red Bull’s resurgence, has given his full support to the decision, branding the renewal as “great news”.
The Red Bull Resurgence
Sergio Perez joined Red Bull Racing in 2021, and his arrival marked a significant turning point for the team. When Formula 1 introduced ground effect cars in 2022, Red Bull quickly adapted and began to dominate the championship. The synergy between Verstappen and Perez has been crucial in maintaining this momentum, making the contract extension an obvious choice for the team.
Maintaining Stability Amid Tensions
In Formula 1, team stability is often as important as technical innovation. Verstappen has been open about his desire to keep Red Bull’s setup unchanged, especially after a period of tension involving an investigation into team boss Christian Horner. With Verstappen’s contract secure until 2028, Perez’s extension until 2026 ensures that Red Bull will continue to have a stable and proven driver lineup as they gear up for the significant rule changes slated for 2026.
“It’s great news that Checo has signed with the team until 2026 and I am glad to be able to continue with the successful partnership that we have created over the past few years,” Verstappen stated. “We achieved a record-breaking season last year and the team is very strong, so we are looking forward to building on this success in the next two years as well.”
The Quest for More Titles
Max Verstappen, already a three-time Drivers' champion, is eager to continue his streak. The Dutchman has expressed his enthusiasm about having Perez as a teammate, highlighting the Mexican's role in their joint successes. The harmony within the team is seen as a crucial factor as Verstappen strives to add more titles to his name.
The Canadian Grand Prix and Beyond
Looking ahead, Verstappen aims to rebound at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix following a challenging race in Monaco. Red Bull’s RB20 car faced difficulties with absorbing bumps and kerbs, an issue Verstappen acknowledges as a persistent problem that needs addressing.
“Following a more difficult weekend in Monaco, this week I have been with the team back at the factory and in the sim preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix,” Verstappen said. “The track is very unique, has some old-school kerbs, and there are plenty of opportunities for overtaking. It’s even more important to have a good setup of the car and find a balance between straight-line speeds and stability under braking.”
As they head into the rest of the season, both Verstappen and Perez will be crucial to Red Bull’s continued success. With the team working tirelessly to resolve their technical issues, fans can expect fireworks as the season progresses.