Sergio Perez: Max Verstappen 'rivalry' has been created by the media

Verstappen talking to Perez during the Belgian GP weekend — Photo: © LAT Images

Mexican Grand Prix

Perez addresses Verstappen 'rivalry' ahead of Mexican Grand Prix

Perez speaks out on reports suggesting his and Verstappen's rivalry could spill over

Cal Gaunt

Saturday 28 October 2023 11:27

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Sergio Perez has dismissed suggestions of a rivalry between him and Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen - and has blamed the media for blowing the story out of proportion.

Perez has been heavily criticised in recent weeks having not secured a win in his last 14 Grands Prix, with Verstappen claiming victory in 13 of those and claiming his third consecutive drivers' world title.

He will be eager to win the Mexican Grand Prix in front of his home fans, which is crucial if reports suggesting he needs to finish as the runner-up in the championship to secure his future are accurate.

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With the indication that Verstappen may not be in the mood to help his team-mate out, as he has expressed his desire to win all remaining four races, there have been suggestions in Mexico that tensions could rise over the weekend. This is something that Perez strongly refutes.

Reports have suggested that Sergio Perez may lose his seat at Red Bull for 2024 if he does not finish second in the drivers' championship

Sergio Perez has not won since Azerbaijan in April while his team-mate Max Verstappen romped to victory in 13 races since then

Sergio Perez has rubbished reports of a rift between him and Max Verstappen

Perez blames media for rivalry speculation

"No, not at all," he told Sky Sports F1. "And I think it's important that we give this message, because I think media likes to create this sort of rivalry outside the track and I think we are a great sport.

"We are a great example for a lot of young generations and we should just be focused on the sport side.

"And whatever happens on track should always stay there and that's the best message we, as a country, want to give to the rest of the world. And yeah, there is nothing else going on.

"The most important thing is that everything stays on track."