Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher claims that it is “clear” that the Max Verstappen camp wants another driver to partner the Dutchman at Red Bull.
Sergio Perez has raced alongside Verstappen since the start of the 2021 campaign, but last year, reports of tension between the two emerged.
It became a prominent topic of conversation at the Brazilian Grand Prix when Verstappen refused to let Perez through for position to aid his fight for second in the championship.
The Mexican driver has enjoyed a stronger start to the 2023 season compared to previous years and currently sits just six points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.
With Perez’s contract expiring at the end of 2024, Schumacher says that Verstappen is hoping to have a new partner in place for the following campaign.
“It’s difficult, and from my point of view it’s clear that the Verstappen’s side wants a new team-mate,” he told Speedweek. “I hear these rumours everywhere.
“I see it as a problem that Perez knows – his time at Red Bull Racing will expire. He’s fighting for his chance to play up front, to win, to have a say in the title.
“It is like this, the team-mate is always the biggest competitor. And who knows what possibilities there will be later. You can see from Lewis Hamilton how fast it goes.
“That’s why Sergio is now becoming more selfish and as far as selfishness goes, Max Verstappen can’t complain. Max does it very well.
“He’s rightly number one on the team, but he also clearly defines his territory. Being his team-mate is certainly not easy – I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to be.”
Verstappen has a long-term deal in place with Red Bull, with his current contract running through the 2028 campaign.
Schumacher says that it would be in the best interest of Red Bull to get rid of Perez if there is tension between them.
“If there is a troubled relationship between Verstappen and Perez, then it would make sense to part ways with the Mexican.
“If you look closely, you can see that the team-mates don’t get along well.
“And if a team has two drivers who don’t harmonise with each other, then that’s a big disadvantage for the team in the end.”
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