Max Verstappen opposes father Jos as Christian Horner weighs up brutal decision
Max Verstappen has spoken out about Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, though his father Jos doesn't share his views.
Max Verstappen and his father Jos have differing views about the Red Bull ace's best-ever team-mate. Verstappen Jr, 26, is on the cusp of clinching his fourth F1 championship in a row; an impressive feat considering he's only been racing for seven full seasons.
During this period, he's worked alongside five different team-mates: Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez. The latter, hos current partner, hasn't quite hit his stride this season, leading to rumours that Red Bull might replace him during the upcoming summer break.
However, Verstappen recently branded Perez, 34, the finest team-mate he's ever had, which could make any potential switch contentious. "I would say what I have now with Checo [Perez] is definitely the best," the Dutch sensation said.
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"I started of course very young in Formula 1 and I had, I think, also a very good relationship with Daniel [Ricciardo]," Verstappen added. "But at the time I was still only 18, 19 and I think where I am now as a person is completely different."
Verstappen's father and coach, Jos, disagreed and picked another name when asked the same question by Formula1.co.uk. "I do think maybe [Max] learnt the most from Daniel Ricciardo, a nice peer he got on very well with," the former racer, 52, said. "Max was a young guy then and Ricciardo really good, a qualifying beast."
It comes amid swirling speculation that Ricciardo seal a sensational return to Red Bull as Perez's replacement, despite the fact the latter only just extended his contract until the end of the 2026 season. Aussie ace Ricciardo, has spent a year with Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls (RB), in a bid to earn the seat alongside Verstappen.
However, he hasn't been in the best of form, amassing a mere 11 points this season and trailing RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, who is also a contender for Perez's spot. Carlos Sainz, who's currently without a team for the upcoming season following Hamilton's shock move to Ferrari, is in the mix too, though he seems more likely to join Williams.
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Confronted with questions about his future, Ricciardo remained tight-lipped, focusing on ending the season with RB on a high note rather than speculating about a Red Bull comeback. Yet, he admitted he's in regular talks with Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner.
"Yeah, I mean, I still speak with Christian and Helmut on that side quite a lot," Ricciardo revealed ahead of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. "And yeah, I mean, a lot still goes through them, honestly. So that's that."
When probed if their conversations ever veered towards "other parts of the team", he clarified: "Not really, because obviously I'm here and I focus on this stuff here with my team and my engineers and everything."
The upcoming weeks could prove crucial for Red Bull as they struggle to keep their stanglehold on the Constructors' Championship. Despite still leading by 51 points, McLaren and Ferrari are steadily closing in. Consequently, the possibility of Perez being replaced is becoming more plausible. However, the driver himself remains confident that he will not be leaving Red Bull anytime soon.
"I'm 100% sure [the Belgian GP won't be my last race]," he assured reporters. "I am fully aware of what's in my contract, and I know the team has faith in me. My main focus is performing on the track. I'm not concerned about [my future], I know where I stand. My only worry is getting my season back on track."
Despite Perez's optimism, Red Bull director Helmut Marko recently hinted at a potential reshuffle during the summer. In an interview with OE24, the Austrian suggested plans to discuss Perez's future with Horner in the UK. When questioned about Marko's comments, a defiant Perez responded: "I think that's something to ask him.
"I haven't discussed that specific point. I believe the entire team is completely focused on getting our season back on track, and anything else is pure speculation," he added.
"The team is working tirelessly with me to get the season back on track and win the Constructors' Championship. We haven't had any other discussions apart from focusing on getting our season back on track."
