Red Bull thought they had finally figured out a settled and arguably perfect driver lineup in 2021. Sergio Perez looked like the ideal 2nd driver for the team. But at the 2022 Sao Paulo GP, this perception took a major hit. Max Verstappen denied Perez a P6 finish for his championship fight against Charles Leclerc, much to the latter’s displeasure. The animosity between Red Bull’s drivers showed that their relations are not so perfect. Still, Christian Horner downplayed this rift between his drivers.

In an end-of-the-season interview with GP Fans, Horner replied to whether Verstappen and Perez have resolved their issues. He said, “Absolutely! What we [Red Bull] had in Brazil was a blip. The drivers [Verstappen and Perez], in a very mature and open manner, discussed it. We discussed it as a team and the two are working as team members and will continue.”

Horner cited the fact that both drivers need to work together more efficiently to beat Red Bull’s rivals in 2023. He added, “They have been the most successful pairing we have ever had and I think they will do a great job for us. Lessons were learned basically and you are always learning in life and every grand prix that you do.”

Christian may be playing a dangerous game by downplaying this Brazilian GP “Blip”. Because if they do not resolve this fiasco between Max and Checo, it can cause some more problems between the duo in the upcoming 2023 season.

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Many had criticized the Dutchman and Red Bull too on the Brazil GP events. Though, Red Bull followed up with a statement to clarify that they put Max and Checo in a precarious situation, thus causing confusion at Interlagos. Max’s clear denial of team orders arguably cost Checo P2 in the championship, so it ain’t over until they show signs otherwise.

Are Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez really over their Rift from Brazil?

2023 may be an uphill battle for Red Bull despite their pace advantage. Considering there is probably a pace deficit between Sergio and Max, the Milton Keynes outfit may again prioritize Verstappen for the championship. While Sergio has harbored championship ambitions, unless he raises his game somewhere near Max’s level, it is a distant dream for him.

But, if he does challenge Max even at half of the races in 2023, will we see sparks again? The team had prioritized the Dutchman numerous times last season and used team orders with Perez to let Verstappen win. Although, since the Brazil GP fiasco, will Perez abide by the team orders again?

These are subjective questions that only get an answer when the season begins. Still, if Red Bull doesn’t resolve Sergio and Max’s issues; they will spark some tension on the track at some point during this upcoming season. Checo may not move over as easily as he did in Spain or Azerbaijan last year.

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As the 2023 season nears, Verstappen and Perez’s relationship can go either way. It can give vindication to Horner’s faith in their maturity and work efficiently, as in 2021. Or it may deteriorate badly, as Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber did back in the day. Which way do you see Max and Checo’s dynamic going?