Ted Kravitz still thinks Max Verstappen is the priority for Red Bull despite the Azerbaijan Grand Prix being won by Sergio Perez.
The Mexican once again demonstrated his street circuit prowess to take victory in Baku. He was given a helping hand by the timing of the safety car which affected Verstappen's strategy, but still showed excellent pace and tyre management to keep his team-mate at arm's length.
The result of the race means the Red Bull drivers have now won two races each this season, with just six points separating them in the drivers' standings. Defending champion Verstappen is the one holding that slender advantage.
Speaking to the Dutchman over the radio as he made his way to parc ferme at the end of the race, team principal Christian Horner said: "Well done Max. Checo [Perez] got a little lucky with the safety car there, but it's a long, long season and very good points today. Great team result, well done."
In his post-race Ted's Notebook show, Sky Sports pit lane reporter Kravitz shared his theory about the dynamic at Red Bull after hearing what was said at the end of the Grand Prix. "I thought the Perez radio message was interesting, when he said, 'Look, guys, we are still in the fight'," he said.
"It sounded like Perez was talking to his engineer and mechanics only, and not the rest of the team. He was saying, 'We are still in the fight, we can't have issues like we did in Melbourne and we can still get this championship'.
"But then you've got Horner on the pit wall, with what sounded like reassuring radio messages to Max, saying, 'Never mind, Checo got lucky with the safety car, but it's a long, long season'.
"That, to my ears and to anyone reasonable, sounds like Horner saying to Max, 'Look, don't worry, you're still our man for the championship'. Checo is thinking, 'Hang on, I'll fight tooth and nail to be the man to fight for the championship'."
Kravitz went on to add that Verstappen "would have won this Grand Prix" had it not been for the unfortunately-timed safety car. But he heaped praise on Perez for taking full advantage and making sure "Max couldn't catch him".
