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via Reuters

via Reuters

Unless you are the McLaren team of 2007, drivers in a lineup tend to have relations ranging from cordial to best buddies. We have seen some pairings turn into great friends over time in F1. The two drivers currently in the Red Bull stables look to be bubbling with some great energy between their two star drivers – Max Verstappen and Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez.

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Max Verstappen has been racing for Red Bull since 2016. He has had a number of partners over his 6 seasons with the team, having struck up very close friendships with most of them. But in 2021, he found himself partnering with a very experienced driver. Verstappen’s previous partners had been rookies just like him, with the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon partnering with him.

But the introduction of Sergio Perez was a welcome change; one they probably wouldn’t have expected to have such a profound impact on the successes of the team. The Mexican joined the team in 2021, and while correlation does not necessarily mean causation – in this case, his driving has been one of the major reasons behind Red Bull’s success in 2021 and 2022. Resultantly, the two drivers have struck up a great relationship that is always an added benefit for the team.

Compared to the infamous 2007 rivalry between teammates Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, the partnership between the Red Bull drivers has been completely opposite. Perez was a key in both the races that clinched the WDC for Max – Abu Dhabi in 2021 and Japan in 2022.

Read More: “The Only Thing We Could Do…” Max Verstappen Finally Ends Eight Year Long Mercedes Reign With Only One Person in Mind

The pairing has lovingly been named “Chestappen” by fans, a portmanteau of Checo (Perez’s nickname) and Verstappen. It goes to show how close they are, and the fans love it.

Fans hear about the Max Verstappen and Perez shower and go bonkers

Fans have for long been ‘shipping’ the Chestappen bromance, and Max and Checo continue to add some spice to it every opportunity they get. In a recent interview, Max said “Last week when we had that shower together, it was emotional” (both laugh). It was a hot shower!”

Twitter has been in overdrive ever since that video has come out. Here are some of the best tweets –

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It was always great to see drivers have good relations in a competitive world like F1. Much better than seeing them fight despite being on the same team. Cheers to Chestappen!