Max Verstappen defended Sergio 'Checo' Perez after statements by Lewis Hamilton

In recent days, there has been a lot of uncertainty about the relationship between Max Verstappen, current Formula 1 champion, and his Red Bull teammate Sergio “Checo” Perez. The Dutch driver came to the defense of the Mexican after strong statements by Lewis Hamilton, a driver for the Mercedes team.

Before the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton made a comment with respect to his teammates. “Jenson (Button), Fernando (Alonso), George (Russell), Valtteri, Nico (Rosberg). I have had so many. All of them have been very consistent, and Max has not raced against anyone like that,” said the Mercedes driver.

?? Perfect 10 ??

Nobody has ever done what @Max33Verstappen achieved on Sunday#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Q86ITyuiXA

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2023

After this comment, Verstappen did not remain silent and responded in a very strong way to the driver from Great Britain to defend his teammate Checo Perez.

“Perhaps he is jealous of my current success, but it doesn't worry me at all. You may think that you are gaining something from these statements or that you have something to defend, but to me, it really doesn't matter. It's hard to lose, obviously, that's the problem when you've won for so many years,” Max commented.

Our points-scorers in Monza ?

Another big haul for Albon, and Bottas picks up points too#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/qcMzWF2JkG

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2023,

One of the things that the Dutchman made clear is that Hamilton needs humility at this point in his career due to the bad moments he is experiencing at the moment in his career. “You have to be able to be realistic: if you're not there, you're not there”. Verstappen said.

These statements took on much more force, after the Red Bull team's one-two finish on the podium in the Italian Grand Prix and Hamilton finished sixth in the race.