It only takes one incident between two drivers, especially teammates, to turn them from friends to enemies. The entire world of F1 thought the 2022 Brazilian GP was the incident that will break Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s relationship. We all witnessed some scenarios to support this narrative as well. However, by the looks of it, the Red Bull men are being respectful while fighting for the same goal. The recently concluded Miami GP attested to this fact. Even Helmut Marko believes so and discredited a repeat of past horror shows.

In the past, Red Bull has faced similar strenuous relationships between two drivers. For example, there was the Multi 21 incident between the then-Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The second most notable incident was between Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo in Baku. However, speaking to QRF Sport, as quoted by Fox Sports, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko discredited a similar scenario coming to life between Verstappen and Perez.

“Worried about a repeat of the Vettel-Webber and Verstappen-Ricciardo incidents ? Not at all, for now everything is going well and both were going to the limit,” said Helmut Marko. “At least Max and Checo can drive freely, as they have done so far.” (Translated by Google)

“They are two sensible drivers and intelligent enough not to do stupid things in the racetrack,” he added.

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Both Red Bull men have clear instructions on how they are allowed to race each other without hampering the collective goal. Clear communication is helping the team steer the ship in the right direction. This allows Perez to have a fair crack at the championship as well, something he has been planning to do since the start of the season.

Sergio Perez issued a stern warning to Max Verstappen about his championship ambitions at the start of the season

Perhaps after the incident in Brazil, the Mexican came into the 2023 season ready to prove his mettle. Perez was loud and clear about his ambition to win the championship from the start despite the fact his threat does not faze Helmut Marko.

“I’m here to be champion. That’s my goal. Maintaining a good relationship with the team is important, but there will be a time when I will think of myself. To be perfect. Against him, I can’t leave anything on the table. Max always maximizes the potential of the car, so if I go to 99.99%, it will not be enough,” said Perez.

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The Mexican is ready to fight his teammate even if he isn’t considered a real threat by his team’s hierarchy. He has already proved himself in more than a couple of races. However, only time will tell when he can keep up this consistency.