Verstappen shows no mercy over Perez struggles

Max Verstappen has insisted Sergio Perez's continued struggles at Red Bull are "not my problem".

The two-time World Champion has been afforded a golden opportunity to all but wrap up a third title at the Canadian Grand Prix after qualifying on pole, while Perez floundered to another Q2 exit.

It means the Mexican has now failed to make a Q3 appearance since Miami, having crashed out in Q1 in Monaco before lacking pace in Spain last time out.

Verstappen leads the way by 53 points in the Drivers' standings, with no driver having overturned such a deficit in F1 history.

Speaking to Dutch media, including RacingNews365, Verstappen said: "Well, if I hadn't been there it would have looked very different for Red Bull.

"I wouldn't be happy with not making Q3 three times in a row. I'm not concerned about it either. I'm busy enough on my side of the garage getting everything in order. I pay all my attention to that."

"I'm not going to think about that" - Verstappen

Red Bull's dominance over the chasing pack has rendered the Drivers' championship a two-horse race between Verstappen and Perez.

Asked whether he was taking notice of Perez's issues, Verstappen replied: "The team must be working on that maybe, but you have to ask them.

"On Friday, of course, I was already busy getting the car better, so then I'm not going to think about that.

"It's not my problem."