Johnny Herbert hailed "the strongest Sergio Perez I think I've seen" for taking on Max Verstappen head-on at the start of this new Formula 1 season.
It is clear that Red Bull are in a league of their own when it comes to car performance, having finished first and second in both races so far. That means the only likely rival that the two drivers will have for the title this year is each other.
That is likely to breed some tension within a relationship which already looks frayed. Verstappen's refusal of team orders in Brazil last year highlighted the division between them and, no matter how much the team tries to play it down, the scars remain there for all to see.
