Perez could be ‘thrown out’ of Red Bull but told to get ugly in Verstappen duel

Horner opens up on Red Bull's 'barren spell' amid Mercedes dominance

Johnny Herbert feels Sergio Perez should risk being “thrown out” of Red Bull and get under Max Verstappen’s skin to win the world championship. Herbert said Perez should “do anything” in what could be his final shot to secure the crown, even if it means going against Red Bull team orders.

He told Express Sport: “If it’s your only chance, a bit like Nico [Rosberg]. All the little things he did during his time with Lewis. He wasn’t popular within the team and his relationship with Toto I believe wasn’t very good, but he got that trophy on his mantlepiece.

“You can’t control that. If it’s your only shot you’ll do anything to get that trophy on your mantlepiece. If you get thrown out at the end of that season that trophy is on the mantlepiece.

“We know Max has got that mentality and Lewis has that mentality and all the other drivers in the past who have won world championships. Now it’s seeing if Sergio wants to do the same thing. It’s a risk that you may lose that seat, the best seat in Formula One at the present time. But to win a world championship? I’d go for it.”

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Despite the calls, Perez continued supporting the team in Miami as he yielded to Verstappen with little fight. After the Grand Prix, he suggested this was because he had respect for engineers and didn’t want to crash.

He explained: “We are just two drivers but there are so many people working back home and working really hard we have to show respect.” Red Bull have seemingly laid down the law to their two drivers with Christian Horner suggesting the pair “know the rules”.

After the race in Miami, Helmut Marko also claimed it would be “very stupid” for the pair to collide as Perez understood Verstappen had better tyres. Herbert admits going against the team could backfire on the Mexican who is out of contract at the end of next season.

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But, the ex-F1 star feels Perez could be on the right track with a series of incidents with Verstappen in recent months. The pair clashed after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Verstappen refused to let Perez pass.

They also exchanged words in Saudi Arabia after Perez demanded a “review” into why Verstappen stole his fastest lap. Herbert added: “There’s always something in the contract that says you can’t put the team into disrepute. By going against the team you are.

“They could get rid of him at the end of the year but if you win the world championship who gives a monkeys? That’s those little bits about Sergio. The little bit in Brazil. Maybe that’s a sign that he’s going to give it his all. I hope so.”

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