Max Verstappen’s seven grand prix wins in a row ahe♓ad of the F1 Belgian Grand Prix have come while his teammate Perez has struggled and dropped out of the title picture.

While Red Bull consultant Marko has backed Perez to keep his seat in the F1 2024 driver line-up, he has stunningly reflected on his 🐲hopes to challenge Verstappen.

"We have a contract🌠 with Perez until the end of 2024,” 𝓀Marko told .

“He is second in the world championship. What need do we ha⭕ve to take action?

"He ha🔥s now woken up from his world championship dream. Maybe that will help him to focus again onཧ delivering the best possible performance.

"Max🌄 is underestimated. He is an exceptional driv꧅er. Just looking at the mental capacities he still has. He even noticed on the radio when my mobile rang!

"He has such taleꦏnt, such speed. And he's on cloud nine, no one would🐭 look good next to him. Verstappen is a completely different yardstick.

"That Perez has to be within three tenths of Max is a generous interpreta🤡tion on our part. Sometimes it was more.

"Perez is second in the world championship. More is not possible for him. He is fulfilling that a🧸t the moment."

Perez has come under increased pressure since AlphaTauri, Red 🐠Bull’s sister team, brought back Daniel Ricciardo who publicly harbours hopes of eventually landing the Red Bull seat.

Ricciardo’s return was Marko’s decision bu🗹t it seems like Perez will remain in the pressure-cooker atmosphere for a while yet.