Verstappen delivers staunch Perez verdict despite Red Bull axe threat

Max Verstappen has defended under-fire team-mate Sergio Perez following a dismal run of form that has sparked suggestions he could be axed by Red Bull over the summer break.

The Dutchman feels Perez is doing more than his fair share in contributing to car feedback, even if his results on track have fallen short of the expected grade of late.

In the previous six rounds, the Mexican driver has scored a meagre 15 points whilst Verstappen has taken 119 in the same period. Perez now sits 137 points behind his team-mate in the drivers' championship.

RacingNews365 understands that if that gap remains more than 100 points at the summer break, Red Bull could trigger an exit clause in Perez's contract. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his team-mate, Verstappen still appears to be in his corner.

"I wouldn't word it like that," the 26-year-old replied when asked by RacingNews365 how difficult it had been effectively operating on his own over recent rounds.

"Because at the end of the day we are team-mates, and we always try to give our feedback to the car, and that's also what Checo [Sergio Perez] has been doing, so he's been always fully contributing to that. But, of course, we cannot deny that the last few weeks have been a bit difficult...

"Of course, naturally, also he wants to do better. I know that he's working very hard - it's not that he just takes it for granted or whatever, right? So, hopefully here [at the Hungarian Grand Prix], when the car maybe suits his driving a bit more, everything feels a bit more connected. It can work a bit better for him."

Perez mistakes 'doesn't help' the situation

However, Verstappen did concede that incidents like the one Perez suffered in qualifying at the British Grand Prix do not help his cause, with the question marks surrounding Red Bull's decision to extend his contract growing more prominent by the day.

The triple-world champion does not feel it would be helpful for Perez to become consumed with his current poor form.

"It doesn't help, but he knows that - I don't need to say that to him," Verstappen added.

"It's natural, but I feel like he's giving it everything, and that's the only thing you can do. 

"To tense up or stress about it, that's not going to help the situation as well, so we just work as a team, and everyone is always very committed. And, of course, everyone wants to help each other to be better."