Red Bull could face "complicated" team orders call in Mexico - Perez
Sergio Perez says he and Red Bull could face a ‘complicated’ team orders call in Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix in a bid to help Max Verstappen’s title push.
The Mexican is heading into his home grand prix knowing he has the best opportunity of his career to triumph in front of his fans.
But despite the clear chance he has of gunning for a hugely popular victory, Perez is well aware that Red Bull's focus right now is on ensuring teammate Verstappen maximises his points scoring opportunities.
With Verstappen only 12 points clear of title rival Lewis Hamilton with five races remaining, Red Bull still cannot afford to concede any unnecessary ground.
That has opened up a scenario where Perez could find himself leading the Mexican GP from Verstappen but is then ordered to sacrifice the win.
Speaking in Mexico City ahead of the GP weekend, Perez accepted there could be a potentially tricky situation of having to give up a home win, but reckoned that it was something that could only be evaluated once the race was underway.
"It's complicated," he said when asked about the possibility of team orders robbing him of the victory.
"We should see what circumstances we have in the race. At the end of the day, we are drivers working as a team and the main focus is on the team.
"It's the big picture. We will have to look at the circumstances. And that's the beauty of racing: that decisions are made in the moment, in seconds, even though they are very complicated issues."
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB16B
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Perez arrives in Mexico off the back of two consecutive podium finishes in the Turkish and United States Grands Prix.
And with Red Bull expected to be the pace-setters at the high-altitude Mexico City track, Perez is bullish about finishing his campaign on a high.
"I think we are in a good rhythm to fight for the podium in the last races," he said when asked about his chances of winning Mexico. "We are fighting for a lot in these last races, and every point will be important.
"I would be proud to be able to achieve one of my dreams since my childhood [and win]. This is a real opportunity that depends on me and my team, whereas other years it depended on other factors. So there is a very real chance, and my motivation is 100 percent."
Related video
How F1 has opened the door to $1 billion team values
F1 Form Guide: Mexican Grand Prix
BRT not fazed by Ford aero questions
Blanchard Racing Team isn't fazed about the unresolved Ford aero package ahead of its maiden Gen3 Supercars test at Winton tomorrow.
Australian GP releases more race day tickets
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has announced a final limited release of race day tickets.
Tickford unveils first 2023 livery
Tickford Racing has unveiled its first livery ahead of the 2023 season with the covers coming off Brad Vaughan's Super2 entry.
“Proper send-off” for MacNeil after Rolex 24 win in GTD Pro
Jules Gounon says that winning at Daytona was an appropriate way for co-driver Cooper MacNeil to retire from racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Who were the fastest drivers in F1 2022?
Who was the fastest driver in 2022? Everyone has an opinion, but what does the stopwatch say? Obviously, differing car performance has an effect on ultimate laptime – but it’s the relative speed of each car/driver package that’s fascinating and enlightening says ALEX KALINAUCKAS
Nico Hulkenberg: Why F1's nearly man is refreshed and ready for his return
He has more starts without a podium than anyone else in Formula 1 world championship history, but Nico Hulkenberg is back for one more shot with Haas. After spending three years on the sidelines, the revitalised German is aiming to prove to his new team what the F1 grid has been missing.
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? Luke Smith asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
What difference did F1's fastest pitstops of 2022 make?
While a quick pitstop can make all the difference to the outcome of a Formula 1 race, most team managers say consistency is more important than pure speed. MATT KEW analyses the fastest pitstops from last season to see which ones – if any – made a genuine impact
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.