Verstappen and Perez to remain "in love" during F1 title fight

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have insisted they will remain "in love" if they become embroiled in an F1 championship fight.

Mexican Perez took his third career victory in a dramatic Monaco Grand Prix to close to just 15 points behind championship leader Verstappen.

The Red Bull duo would only be separated by a single point had Verstappen not been allowed to pass Perez in Spain the week before.

Perez, whose title credentials seem to be realistic given his improved performances this season with the new generation of F1 cars, was also unlucky not to take victory in Saudi Arabia when a poorly timed safety car conspired against him.

The relationship between the two drivers has been harmonious since Perez joined last year, with Verstappen labelling him a "legend" for his defensive work at last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

But asked if there was a chance a title tussle could sour relations, Verstappen replied: "I don’t think so, in terms of whether the relationship will change. We have a good…"

Interrupting his teammate, Perez jokingly questioned: "We are still going to be in love, right?"

"Yeah, absolutely," added Verstappen. "Why would that change? We work really well as a team.

"We always try to optimise the car and work for the team and we can accept when somebody does a good job or does a better job.

"That’s very important because that’s how you are respectful to each other and may the best man win at the end, right?

"We always, of course, are trying to do the best we can on the track but we also respect each other a lot and try to score the most possible points every single weekend for the team."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Toto Wolff snared by Mercedes F1 fans demanding Max Verstappen signing

• Yesterday 23:15

Lewis Hamilton reveals how dog Roscoe 'dropped turds' at F1 rival's door

• Yesterday 22:29

David Coulthard reveals awkward F1 podium incident: 'Max and Kimi just walked away'

• Yesterday 21:45

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari enter 'decisive phase' as contract decision approaches

• Yesterday 21:00

Aston Martin boost as Honda deliver engine upgrade announcement

• Yesterday 19:44

Max Verstappen crash response 'sends terrible message', F1 star highlights health risk

• Yesterday 18:45