Perez: It's not easy being Verstappen's teammate

Sergio Perez admits it isn't easy being Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull, but the Mexican believes his mental strength has been key to staying positive.

While Verstappen continues the push for his maiden F1 world title, Perez's first season at the Milton Keynes-based outfit has been a mixed bag in terms of results. He recently finished the Turkish Grand Prix in third spot, his first podium since the French Grand Prix back in June.

Perez is known for keeping a cool head when facing difficult situations, and explained how that approach has helped him settle into the role alongside Verstappen.

"Obviously, it's not easy being Max's teammate, because he's at one with a car," Perez told RacingNews365.com and other members of the media.

"He's really delivering at a very high level. We've got a unique car in a way, and [it's] no secret, it hasn't been easy.

"You need to be mentally very strong after each day, and I think that's one of my strengths."

When asked in what ways the RB16B is unique, Perez noted that it's simply "very different" from what he's used to, having spent the last seven seasons at Force India/Racing Point.

"Some cars are easier to adapt to than others, some drivers adapt easier [than] others," Perez added.

"I've had a difficult process to adapt to the car, but nothing too dramatic or nothing that stands out. It's really a very good package and a very competitive one. Max is showing that this car is, if not the best, then one of the best out there."

Verstappen currently sits six points up on Lewis Hamilton with six races remaining in the 2021 F1 season, while Perez finds himself in fifth overall, more than 100 points behind the pair.