Max Verstappen has responded to claims made by Sergio Perez over their controversial incidents in the 2022 F1 season.
On a podcast in Mexico, Perez explained that Verstappen "is like that, he holds things in until he finally lets them out, usually on the track," refering to the 2022 Sao Paulo GP when he ignored team orders to let Perez through for sixth place as he was battling for second place in the drivers' championship.
It subsequently emerged that Verstappen was furious with Perez stretching back to Monaco GP qualifying, where Perez crashed at Portier to bank third on the grid, and out-qualify Verstappen in fourth.
Clear-the-air talks were held at the time, but Verstappen waited for payback until Perez required his help, with the Mexican claiming that Verstappen "showed who he really is" over the team radio.
When asked about Perez's podcast comments, Verstappen dismissed the idea of any tension between the two.
"No, but I also think how you word [the question] is not how he meant it," Verstappen replied when asked by RacingNews365 for his thoughts on Perez's comment.
"I have a great relationship with Checo, we were great team-mates and so I have a lot of respect for him, he has a lot of respect for me, and that is it from my side.
"I am looking forward to hopefully seeing him again in the paddock soon, and I still need to give him a helmet of mine.
"I promised him that because he gave me one of his with a very nice message on it, and I promised him that hopefully, around Mexico, I can give him one of mine.
"So for me, whatever is written in the media, I know how Checo is and we have a great relationship."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365' Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look ahead to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix! How Lando Norris must react after Canada and the continued threat of a race ban for Max Verstappen are major talking points.
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