Verstappen asked if he will help Checo Pérez win Mexican GP

With the 2022 F1 drivers’ title already defined for Max Verstappen, there has been much speculation that the two-time world champion might help Sergio Pérez win the Mexican Grand Prix. Such an outcome, apart from being an historic one for the Mexican, would also allow Checo to finish as runner-up in the season - which Red Bull would be delighted with. Just over a week ahead of the race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and prior to the Austin GP, Mad-Max spoke about the possibility of doing his Red Bull team mate a favour, and assured that he always seeks to win races.

At the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Verstappen was asked by reporters if he would be willing to help Checo Pérez to win in Mexico, to which he responded. “As a team we always try to be first and second, and as a driver I always try to win races...”

But before his gave his answer, one reporter put forward a scenario for him to consider. “It’s the last lap in Mexico, for example, you’re ahead and he (Checo) is second....”. Verstappen interrupted to declare: “I win. Either way I would be outpointing Charles, but first we have to be that competitive (to be first and second at that stage of the race)” he explained.

How the championship is shaping up

Red Bull have never finished the drivers’ world championship with drivers occupying the top two places. For that reason, they hope Checo Pérez, who is second in the standings, can secure the runner-up position. However, he will face a fierce fight - just one point separates Sergio and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

All about the F1esta

The Mexico City Grand Prix takes place on 30 October and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez is already being prepared for the event. From next week, the the teams will start arriving at the circuit. But first all eyes will be on the race in Austin, once that race is concluded, the focus will turn to Mexico’s legendary track.