CHAMPION MAX VERSTAPPEN AND SERGIO PÉREZ CELEBRATE CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH RED BULL
After Sergio Pérez’s two-year contract extension with Red Bull as teammate to three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, F1 leaders were ecstatic on Thursday in Montreal.
The future of the Red Bull team has been the subject of speculation throughout the season, with various names, including Carlos Sainz from Ferrari and Daniel Ricciardo from RB, being considered for the coveted seat.
Red Bull put an end to this growing distraction on Tuesday, with Pérez and Verstappen expressing their satisfaction with the outcome before the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.
“As in every situation, there is always a process to be followed that is not always pleasant,” said the 34-year-old Mexican. “So it’s great to eliminate that distraction for the team and for me, so we can focus on performance.”
“I believe it is the best thing for our team,” he emphasized.
Facing challenges to their supremacy from various directions, Red Bull will try to readjust in Montreal as Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes seek to make life difficult for the team at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Verstappen dominated in Montreal last year, leading every lap from pole position, but will face a tough battle for a third consecutive victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The last three races have had three different winners, and after winning 19 out of 22 races in last year’s most one-sided F1 season, Verstappen has failed to win three of the last six.
Pérez has shown unwavering support, helping Verstappen secure three F1 driver titles, sometimes reluctantly, but always fulfilling his duty, and the team will rely on that support on Sunday.
“Finally,” exclaimed Verstappen. “It’s fantastic news that Checo has signed. I’m happy he’s staying; we always work well together and it brings stability to the team.”
There were rumors backstage that Pérez owes his contract extension to Verstappen, as the Dutchman didn’t want a new teammate who wasn’t willing to submit to him.
“I think the best thing to do is focus on my work, give my best, and do what’s best for me and my career,” said Pérez. “At the end of the day, when my career is over, that’s the only thing that will matter to me.”
“I appreciate everyone’s opinion, but ultimately, I’m here to do what’s best for my career, and I’m satisfied with what I’ve achieved,” he concluded. (Reporting by Steve Keating)
