‘Don’t think he gets the chance often’: Verstappen’s dad takes subtle dig at Perez

Jos Vertsappen has defended his son Max for snatching the fastest lap at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and took a subtle dig at Sergio Perez as tensions continue to simmer in the Red Bull garage.

Jos was seen staring ahead awkwardly while Perez hugged a number of Red Bull team staff, with the Dutchman offering no acknowledgment besides a small nod in a video that quickly went viral.

There was also plenty of controversy thanks to Max pushing for the fastest lap on the last trip around the circuit given both drivers were told to hold their pace.

It lead to a tension-filled moment in the cooldown room after the race when the duo discussed who won the fastest lap award, with Perez looking rather perplexed as to how his rival was given the all-clear to push for the accolade.

With the dust barely settling on the aftermath of the race, Jos has fanned the flames yet again in an interview with Formule1.nl.

“I just knew he was going to do it [get the fastest lap],” Verstappen said.

“Nice, is it not? That way he will at least remain leader in the championship.

“Of course we all want to win but that was not possible today. The margin was too small today.

“I don’t think he [Perez] gets the chance that often. He sees that too and then goes for it.

“It went against us in qualifying. Bad luck, I won’t go into that. We know what it is. Max just easily drives to that pole position. And then the race is a bit easier.

“Because we actually predicted it is quite difficult to come forward here. This is a track with long turns, it’s hard to make a difference there. We need more difficult circuits and more corners.”

All eyes now turn to the Australian Grand Prix on April 2, where the Red Bull duo will no doubt be peppered with questions regarding their relationship.