Max Verstappen and his father Jos have a huge difference of opinion as rumors continue to circulate that Red Bull are aiming to replace Sergio Perez at the end of the season.
Jos Verstappen has endorsed Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull next year, despite his son Max Verstappen saying he wants his teammate to stay.
Verstappen Jr, 27, is on the verge of capturing his fourth consecutive Formula One championship after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend. Max’s first victory in 11 races put him within striking distance of the Drivers’ Championship crown. However, he did nothing to help Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, because to another poor performance from Perez.
The 34-year-old Mexican driver finished 11th in Sao Paolo, a little improvement from his 17th in Mexico City, but not enough to undermine McLaren or Ferrari’s title hopes. Despite signing a one-year deal with Red Bull in June, Perez’s streak of poor results has fueled speculation that the organization may let him go in 2025, rumors that Verstappen Sr has not denied.
In an interview with Viaplay, the 52-year-old emphasized the importance of his son having a “competitive” teammate who “pushes him” and stated he’d be “open” to RB prodigy Lawson taking over Perez’s role next season. “I think Lawson is doing very well,” he told me.
“It is logical to me that he is prepared to step up. Let him finish the season and gain confidence, and then the team will determine what to do for next year,” Verstappen continued. “I absolutely do not oppose Lawson replacing Perez. It’s preferable if there is someone who is competitive and pushes Max forward slightly. That always helps, but let’s see.”
It comes after Max indicated his desire for Perez to stay on the team, emphasizing the significance of “stability”. In September, he told Fox Sports: “Of course, I want Checo to be my teammate. He’s a lovely guy, and we get along extremely well. He’s also an excellent racer.
“I always said that right, it’s all about stability and also how we feel in the team,” according to him. “I also expressed that during the summer break. I expressed that I believe we have more pressing concerns than worrying about the second car. “That is not an option for me.”
Earlier this month, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko stated that the club would make a decision on Perez’s future at the end of the season. “Checo has a contract for next year, but we are assessing the overall scenario. “After Abu Dhabi, we will have all the facts and will make our decision,” he said.
If Perez does leave, 22-year-old Lawson is expected to replace him. Interestingly, the two had a furious exchange during the Mexico Grand Prix, when Lawson gave Perez the middle finger following a crash at Turn 5 while racing for position.
After the race, the New Zealander was open about his aspirations, saying, “Obviously, my goal is not to go out and make enemies of anybody; I’m not trying to cause any problems or anything like that.” At the same time, I’m not looking to make pals. I’m here to win, and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
At the moment, Red Bull has team peace, with Perez not challenging Verstappen, but just one of their cars is getting significant points. Bringing Lawson in might change things on both fronts, and the club must decide whether it is a risk worth taking.
There are also suggestions that Red Bull is mulling a move for Williams’ Franco Colapinto, however other sources say the Argentine might fill in for Lawson at RB if the Kiwi gets the nod.
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