Verstappen is currently enjoying the Formula 1 off-season as a two-time world champion after cruising to the title in 2022.
It was an incredibly dominant campaign for the 25-year-old, though one that was soured somewhat by his treatment of teammate Perez at the penultimate race in Brazil back in November.
Red Bull had asked Perez to let Verstappen overtake him in an attempt to chase down cars ahead and salvage some points, but told the Mexican that the Dutchman would let him back through if he failed to overtake anyone.
Verstappen, having already sealed the title by this point, failed to make a pass and as such was ordered to give the position back but refused to do so, before angrily berating his team over the radio.
Perez responded in kind and the two drivers were summoned to a meeting with Red Bull’s hierarchy to sort the dispute, with team principal Christian Horner later saying the matter was water under the bridge.
But rumours suggest that tensions between the pair are still very high, and could escalate next season should similar incidents occur.
Something that will not help matters are Verstappen’s recent comments on the role No.2 drivers like Perez play in F1, where he also aimed a dig at Bottas for not being able to challenge Hamilton whilst at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021.
‘Every year he [Bottas] starts fresh,’ Verstappen told Viaplay.
‘But after a few races you realise it’s not going to happen again and you accept your role. He still finished on podiums, he won a few races and took pole positions.
‘You just have to accept that the driver next to you is just a bit better. That’s fine, that can happen. It’s important that he accepted it. Some drivers can’t do that and then it goes completely wrong.
‘Then they don’t survive for very long. I’m not going to name names, but you have to accept your role. You can’t live in a fairytale world.’
Bottas and Hamilton developed a great partnership at Mercedes, with the latter winning four titles in their five years together, though the former has since admitted it was difficult accepting he couldn’t beat his teammate.
While there is no question that Verstappen is Red Bull’s No.1 driver, Perez has played a crucial role in his teammate’s and team’s success over the past two seasons, and has been rewarded with a contract until 2024.
But given Verstappen’s influence, there is every possibility that he could call for Perez to leave the team should he grow unhappy with his teammate.
While Red Bull would prefer to avoid another toxic inter-team rivalry, like that of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber from 2009 to 2013, they do have a great replacement lined up in case, after former star Daniel Ricciardo rejoined the team as a reserve driver for 2023.
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