Verstappen backs Perez as Sainz completes first Williams laps – RacingNews365 Review

Max Verstappen has backed embattled team-mate Sergio Perez, whose future will be decided in the coming days.

The six-time grand prix winner underwhelmed for Red Bull over the final three quarters of the 2024 F1 season, but the Dutchman maintains the driver alongside him has been treated “very harsh” through the year.

READ MORE: Verstappen shares Red Bull team-mate preference

Sainz spotted completing first Williams laps

Carlos Sainz has been spotted driving for Williams for the first-time, in a filming day at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The Spaniard will drive for his new outfit in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, following on from finishing second in the season finale.

READ MORE: Sainz spotted completing first Williams laps

F1 legend makes demand after Verstappen-Russell feud

F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi believes the drivers need “less PR people” around them, with him being a fan of Max Verstappen and George Russell’s feud.

Verstappen and Russell have been involved in a war of words since a qualifying incident in the Qatar Grand Prix, which saw the Dutchman receive a controversial one-place grid penalty.

READ MORE: F1 legend makes demand after Verstappen-Russell feud

Williams bank key new partner as Sainz joins

Williams has added Spanish bank Santander as a new partner, the team has confirmed, as Carlos Sainz joins the Grove squad following the end-of-season Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Spanish driver is taking part in a filming day for the nine-time constructors’ champions at the Yas Marina Circuit, with the sponsor also moving over from Ferrari.

READ MORE: Williams bank key new partner as Sainz joins

Verstappen defends underfire Perez: ‘He’s not an idiot’

Max Verstappen believes Sergio Perez experienced some “very harsh” treatment through the 2024 F1 season, arguing his Red Bull team-mate is “not an idiot.”

The Dutchman has said he sympathises with the 34-year-old’s plight, with a second round of crunch talks between Perez and the Milton Keynes team happening following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after he was granted a stay of dismissal over the summer.

READ MORE: Verstappen defends underfire Perez: ‘He’s not an idiot’