Sergio Perez promised to assist the penalty-hit Verstappen at the Russian GP.
Verstappen is in a title race, but is at a disadvantage at Sochi. Because of his actions at the Italian GP, the FIA hit him with a three-place grid penalty.
This means that the highest position Verstappen can start the race from is P4. This won’t be good for him, given his rival Lewis Hamilton us the favourite to win the race.
This is the first season Checo and Verstappen have been teammates. As such, the two-time race winner is eager to help his teammate out. Perez promised to assist Verstappen, and help him get the best result possible in his bid for his maiden world championship.
“It is very important we help each other out and try to get the most from each weekend for the team,” Perez said, as quoted by express.co.uk. “Especially as we come towards the end of the season where there are less races to capitalise on.”
Team player
Perez joined Red Bull at the beginning of this season. He has already displayed his ability to step up when the team needs him. At the Azerbaijan GP, Perez took control and won the race after race leader Verstappen failed to finish. Most recently, he helped Verstappen get a much-needed tow at Monza during qualification for the Italian GP.
Perez is aware that their rivals Mercedes are the ones who are the favourites to take victory in Russia. However, he believes in his team, and promised to fight till the chequered flag.
“Mercedes have won every race at Sochi since 2014, so they’re the favourites this weekend,” he said.
“They’re definitely going to be hard to beat, but like always we will give it our best.”
Verstappen’s best result at Sochi is getting onto the podium, but he has never won in Russia. With the assist and teamwork from Perez, can he end that duck and take a crucial victory?
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