Why Perez believes he can 'beat anyone' after Verstappen challenge

Sergio Perez has explained the way in which he feels he can "beat anyone" following his victory ahead of Max Verstappen in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Mexican cut Verstappen's lead in the World Championship down to just six points after his success in Baku, having claimed wins in both the Sprint and main race over the weekend.

Despite the possibility of a title battle unfolding between the Red Bull teammates during the season, Perez is confident that he and Verstappen will maintain respect for each other throughout.

Perez shares 'similar' approach to Verstappen

"I think there is a very high level of respect between Max and myself, and the whole team," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"The level we are operating at, we're pushing each other really hard, we obviously want to beat each other, I want to win the championship as much as Max wants but there is a lot of respect between us.

"And I feel in a way, we're very similar in the way we approach or think about the sport so I do not believe he will change.

"We will be fighting each other like we did today, as much and as hard as we possibly can. But I think with a very high level of respect to us and to our team."

Perez hopes to maintain form throughout season

Perez's win in Azerbaijan followed his victory earlier in the season in Saudi Arabia and the 33-year-old believes that he is able to beat Verstappen if he can maintain this form for the rest of the campaign.

"I think Jeddah [and Baku], they've been two strong weekends for me when I've been pushed by Max pretty much from beginning to end," Perez explained.

"I wouldn't say [Baku was] my best-ever race. I think it was just a very, very good race where I pushed from the start to the end without mistakes and I think always when you do that, you believe that you can beat anyone.

"So it's just about keeping it up throughout the season."