Perez hoping Red Bull contract talks 'won't take too long'

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Sergio Perez is hoping for "smooth" contract discussions with Red Bull and a swift outcome after delivering a string of positive results to the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

After losing his drive with Racing Point to Sebastian Vettel, Perez was signed up by Red Bull at the end of last season following Alex Albon's failure to deliver consistent results alongside Max Verstappen.

The Mexican has progressively ramped up his performance level as he has adapted to his new team and has contributed 94 points to Red Bull's tally in the Constructors' standings, including an outright win in the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

As a worthy teammate to Verstappen who has already surpassed the achievements of his predecessors in the hot seat, namely Pierre Gasly and Albon, Perez looks well positioned to be handed an contract extension.

"Right now, we are so busy with the races, three-in-a-row, but there will be some downtime where we can speak about it," Perez said, referring to his contract negotiations.

"Hopefully [it doesn’t] take too long, because I don't have good experience when you take that long.

"But I see it as a natural thing. Once you're comfortable in a team, working with them and the team working with you, it's something that naturally should happen very smoothly.

"We should just take it out of the season and focus on the right stuff."

Read also: Perez squashed Mercedes' two-stop option in France - Shovlin

Verstappen, who currently leads the world championship from Lewis Hamilton by 12 points, said his collaboration with Perez was "going very well".

“Of course, I knew Checo before, but not as a teammate. So of course it’s always a little bit different," commented the Dutchman.

"So far, it’s been great, to be able to now work together up front, to get the best results for the team, is what you want.

"For sure, I would want that to continue. He’s a great teammate, and we can have a lot of fun."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.