F1 News: Schumacher Insists Max Verstappen And Sergio Perez's Relationship Is "Not What It Used To Be"
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has made a big claim by stating that there is a divide between Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, which could cause the Mexican driver's contract to terminate toward the end of this season.
He claimed that the problem seemed to have begun at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, where Perez allegedly crashed into the barriers deliberately to create a red flag situation and secure a better starting position than Verstappen. This was something Verstappen didn't allow to pass by that easily.
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In an interview with Formel1.de, Schumacher revealed:
"It seems that the relationship between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez is no longer what it used to be.
"I mean, there was a time, I remember that legendary race, [Abu Dhabi 2021], where he could still win the championship due to external circumstances. Perez did a great job there.
"But then there was apparently this incident where Perez apparently 'intentionally,' or at least that's what we hear, caused a red flag in Monaco. I think Max didn't take that well, whatever happened there."
He also adds that one needs to consider the performance gap between the two drivers who have the same car. Max gets the most out of the RB19 whereas Perez is nowhere close in the Drivers' Standings. He added:
"When you see the difference between both drivers, what Max gets out of the Red Bull compared to what Perez achieves..."
What is more concerning is the cost incurred this year as a result of Perez's crashes. As per a Reddit user, Perez cost Red Bull $2.109 million in crash damage this year so far, ranking him third on the list of the most expensive crash damages in 2023 up to the Japanese GP. Schumacher says that you don't have to be a scientist to realize that the team is parting ways with Perez. He said:
"Recently, the list of damages came out, how expensive the year has already been for Perez this year. Then, I think you don't have to be a scientist to realise that the collaboration will end."
