Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen sought to quell speculation about a falling-out with former team-mate Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez, saying he hopes to see the Mexican back in the Formula 1 paddock soon so he can hand over a race helmet he previously promised as a gift. “I have a great relationship with Checo; we respect each other,” the four-time world champion told reporters in Spielberg ahead of Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen’s remarks follow comments by Pérez on the podcast “Desde el Paddock,” where the ex-Red Bull driver recalled tension after the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen dismissed any lingering animosity, stressing that private conversations had resolved past issues. The Dutchman was otherwise guarded during the official FIA press conference, repeatedly declining to comment on race-control matters and the penalty-point system. Verstappen is on 11 penalty points—one short of an automatic one-race ban—and said he “can’t risk” further sanctions by criticising officials.