Perez concedes "it's not easy" being team-mates with Verstappen

Sergio Perez has conceded it is 'not easy being team-mates' with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Verstappen leads Lewis Hamilton by six points with six races remaining in the championship having won seven races, albeit one being the washed-out Belgian Grand Prix.

Perez joined the Dutchman at Red Bull last winter having been ousted from Racing Point [now Aston Martin] in favour of Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican tasked with providing back-up to Verstappen in the charge against Mercedes.

Whilst Perez has scored a win and two further podiums, his performances have consistently been far away from Verstappen's.

“Obviously, it’s not easy being Max’s team-mate because he is at one with the car. He is really delivering at a very high level," said Perez.

On Verstappen's strengths and weaknesses, Perez added: “I think Max has been the driver of the season to be honest, so far. I think he has done the least mistakes of anyone out there so he has put things together at a very high level.

“The season is still very long so we will see later on. So far I have been surprised in a very positive way of how he delivers without mistakes at such a high level.”

Pressed on Verstappen's weaknesses, Perez explained: “I will have to think about it but I don’t really think…there are not obvious ones yet.”