Perez confident of Red Bull support: 'They used to be one-car team'

Sergio Perez is adamant that he has the same level of support as Max Verstappen, as both drivers bid for the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

Verstappen's dominant performances against his teammates in recent seasons have made him the firm favourite to take this season's Drivers' Championship.

The reigning World Champion enjoyed a one-sided battle against Perez in 2022, with the Mexican unable to match Verstappen's win rate.

However, Perez's victory in Saudi Arabia has raised hopes of at least an intra-team battle for the championship, with Red Bull seemingly set to continue their impressive pace advantage.

With Perez often playing the role of number two driver during his time at the team, the 33-year-old was asked if he felt he would be allowed to challenge Verstappen and if he believed Red Bull would support his own championship challenge.

"I fully believe it," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"Certainly when I came to the team, things were very different. Basically, they were just going racing with two cars because they had to.

"I can say now that I really feel part of the team. I really feel like I have my place, and I am well respected, and I think that's something good to have as a driver.

"I really believe that I have the full support of the team, as much as Max does, and that I will have every single opportunity to win the championship as much as Max."