Sergio Perez backs Red Bull team over ‘no fighting’ call

Sergio Perez said that Red Bull made the right call to tell him not to fight Max Verstappen during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Mexican led the early stages in Baku after beating Charles Leclerc into turn one but found himself falling down to third place after Leclerc pitted under a VSC to eventually overhaul both Red Bulls and Verstappen overtook him on track.

Indeed, as Max went past, a radio message was broadcast that said ‘no fighting’ to Checo and some were quick to suggest it was team orders to favour Max.

Ultimately, though, Verstappen had the better race pace and Sergio poured water on the suggestion of any favouritism, saying that it was the right call anyway because Max was looking stronger on Sunday:

“I think it was a right call made by the team because at that time Max was a bit further ahead and it was just a good team result.

“And in this place anything can happen, so at the end of the day, we managed to get a one-two, so that’s a great team result.”

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 12: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 passes his team celebrating on the pitwall during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 12, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

In the end, the two drivers brought home a Red Bull one-two as Ferrari yet again suffered reliability issues, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both failing to finish.

The Canadian Grand Prix is up next, and Red Bull will be aiming to make it six wins in a row in Montreal.

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