Tough challenge for Perez: 'Verstappen is a difficult teammate'

Red Bull Racing has been trailing Mercedes for seven years. The car is not fast enough to really compete for the title, but since Ricciardo's departure, a second problem has arisen. None of Red Bull's talent proved good enough to step in alongside Verstappen, so Red Bull picked up Perez.

Red Bull on the attack

''Our aim is to close the gap on Mercedes. There are some rule changes, although the impact will be small. Hopefully we can be there right from the start. That has been our Achilles' heel in recent years. Hopefully this year we will be competitive right from the start at the Bahrain Grand Prix,'' Horner told Sky Sports.

''The whole team is impressed with the way Perez works and also his mentality. However, it will soon be about what they do on the track. Max is a difficult teammate to have, but of course we want both drivers to be up front. We will have to if we are to attack Mercedes'', concludes the Red Bull Racing team principal.