Red Bull fastest lap fight will prompt “internal discussions”

Perez led home Verstappen, who mounted a charging recovery drive from 15th on the grid, for Red Bull’s second easy one-two finish of the 2023 season in Jeddah. 

• 'Agreement for Verstappen to let Perez win' - wild Red Bull theory shared 

But Red Bull’s celebrations amid a dominant start to the campaign were overshadowed by a late battle for the fastest lap bonus point, which was ultimately claimed by Verstappen despite being instructed to slow his pace as both Red Bulls reported reliability issues in the closing stages. 

Verstappen subsequently leads the world championship by a point from Perez and former Toyota driver Glock reckons the needle between the pair will only intensify as the title race hots up. 

“The fastest lap of Verstappen, which he grabbed in the last lap, will lead to internal discussions again,” Glock told Sky Germany. 

"Sergio Perez will not get involved in any topic in which he will have to support Verstappen in the future. 

“I'm sure of that, because the Mexican sees his chance to fight for the title with Verstappen. This will lead to a fight between the two. 

“We can be prepared for the fact that there will be friction. Red Bull is certainly already aware of this in this regard. 

“Perez has shown that he is strong and has a very good pace in the race. 

“At the same time, Verstappen is one who can't say anything and does what he thinks is right. The team can say what it wants.” 

• “What’s in it for Perez to help?” - Fresh friction at Red Bull despite dominance? 

Red Bull held behind-closed-door talks with Verstappen and Perez following a team orders row that erupted at last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.

The Milton Keynes outfit drew a line under the matter over the winter but underlying tension between Verstappen and Perez appeared to re-emerge in Saudi Arabia.