Verstappen hails Perez understanding at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has hailed the partnership with Sergio Perez that has taken Red Bull to within striking distance of Mercedes in the fight for the F1 title.

Until a troublesome two-race swing in Britain and Hungary where the team scored a combined two points, both Verstappen and Red Bull were leading in both title races after a stellar start to the season.

Perez has, at times, been a useful rear gunner for the Dutchman with podium finishes and a win in Azerbaijan but has struggled to challenge consistently.

Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast about Perez, Verstappen said: "Having Checo as a team-mate has been great. He is super nice, super relaxed and a very fast racing driver.

"I think it is very difficult to really make someone understand the car, they have to do it themselves with their race engineers and I think Checo is doing really well at that."

The team brought Mexican Perez into the fold after difficult stints for Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon alongside Verstappen.

On his own experiences, Perez conceded it was: "Hard on track because [Verstappen] is obviously a very fast and talented guy but outside he is good fun.

"I have enjoyed the time we spend together, we have some good fun."

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