History is repeating itself, and fresh troubles are brewing at Red Bull. The team is approaching a challenge that it has faced in the past: protecting its unnamed first driver. Additionally, the two sides of a coin are emerging. The coin of dominating and winning four out of four races, with three 1-2 so far this season. On one side, you’re leading the championships, but on the other, there’s rising tension between the drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Red Bull’s management is now tasked with handling the rivalry between the drivers, something it hasn’t had a great record with in the past. The rise of Sergio Perez, who is challenging the supremacy of Max Verstappen, has reportedly left the entourage of the reigning champion unhappy as the Mexican is standing his ground. All of this is said to be part of the aftermath following the debacle of the 2022 Brazilian GP. Hence, both drivers are on their own in their fights, sparking the rumor that Max Verstappen’s camp wants a new teammate for him.

It becomes even more clear as Sergio Perez’s contract will be up for renewal very soon as it lasts only until the end of the 2024 season, whereas Max’s lasts until 2028. So, the wins by Checo here could work in his favor as well as against him. Analyzing Perez’s results and putting them in a bigger context, Speed Week quoted Sky Sports expert Ralf Schumacher as saying, “This is difficult, and in my view it is clear that the Verstappen side wants a new teammate. I hear these rumors everywhere. I see it as a problem that Pérez knows – his time at Red Bull Racing will expire. He fights for his chance to join in the front, win victories, have a say in the title.”

“That’s why Sergio is now becoming more selfish, and as far as selfishness is concerned, Max Verstappen cannot complain. Max does it very well. He is rightly number 1 in the team, but he also clearly defines his territory.”

READ MORE: “Did He Really Say That?” Lando Norris Picks Sides in Fiery Max Verstappen- George Russell Spat to Leave Fans Astonished

Max Verstappen, as many believe, has been the golden and protected driver for the team. If that’s true, Sergio Perez would be aware of it and would know the impact it could have on his contract. Regardless of all this, Perez, after playing the highest team game for two years, wants to make the most of his drive and challenge Max as much as he can.

Max Verstappen is unhappy with Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez established complete dominance in Baku as he took the highest podium in both the sprint and the main race. On the other hand, Max had to settle for P2 in the main race and P3 in the sprint, leaving him unsatisfied and with only a 6-point lead over his teammate.

Knowing Max and his competitiveness, former world champion Damon Hill remarked, as quoted by Formula1News, “The real issue is that Max was beaten by his teammate and championship rival Sergio Perez. More than anything, that’s going to be the thing Max is not happy about.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton

For the Dutchman, according to Hill, the failure to finish behind Perez was the biggest of them all. Being beaten by the King of the Streets hasn’t gelled well with Verstappen. Hence, the rumors of his camp wanting a new teammate after the 2024 season.