Verstappen backs Checo Perez to finish runner-up in 2023 F1 season

Although Red Bull has already clinched the constructors' title and is already drivers' champion, don't expect Max Verstappen to help Sergio Perez in his battle for second.

In an interview with ViaPlay from the Netherlands, 'Mad Max' made it clear that Red Bull want to finish as high up in the standings as possible.

"We just want to win as a team. Of course, we also want to finish second in the championship and of course you just try to do everything possible to achieve that," he said.

However, Verstappen stopped short of saying he would be willing to sacrifice wins and points to help Perez get second place in the drivers' standings.

"At the end of the day, I can't decide things like that," Verstappen added ahead the United States GP.

Internal problems at Red Bull

Verstappen was also asked about the rumored conflict that is going on amongst management at the the team.

"I have nothing to say about that because obviously I know what's going on in the team and everyone knows their place. And, in fact, nothing is happening on our side either," said Verstappen.

Nevertheless, rumors persist that Christian Horner has asked for Red Bull to let go of sporting advisor Helmut Marko.

"When Dietrich Mateschitz died, of course new people arrived, but that in the end that does not matter to us," Verstappen said.

"We know who is very important for the team in recent years and also in the coming years. And it's the same people. That's why I say we know exactly what we are sticking to which is being the strongest team in F1, so there is no point in talking about those because there is no friction."