F1: Perez says Verstappen is a great teammate

Red Bull F1 driver Sergio Perez told Viaplay Sport Nederland that World Driving Champion Max Verstappen is a great teammate.

“It is very difficult, of course, to have Max as a teammate.”

“But I don’t think we should take anything away from the talent that he is, how hard he works, how he delivers, how focused he is.”

Sergio Perez of Mexico and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands — Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 23, 2023 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

“He is just a great driver, it’s great to have him as a teammate. He pushes to the maximum, it creates a lot of pressure. It’s not always easy to cope with that, a guy who is delivering 100% out of the car.”

He went on to say he gets along great with Verstappen

“We discuss everything, we have a very respectful, open relationship. We get on well, we have a lot of respect for each other. We have fun!”

“Doing the very boring events, that we have to do with marketing, we just make them a bit crazier! The other day we were playing penalties, and Max shot the ball out of the hospitality, that sort of thing. We just try to make it fun.”

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing take part in a Kayo Sports challenge in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 30, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

But Checo says he is a better footballer than Max Verstappen:

“I don’t think Max is a great footballer. I remember I played with him a long time ago, I can say I scored better goals than him.”

Verstappen says he won’t be moving back to the Netherlands or Belgium once his F1 career is over – taxes are too high.

“No, I’m really enjoying myself in the South of France (Monaco). Sure, there are certain things I do miss. Frites special, the local cuisine, haha. And of course, my family and friends.”