Red Bull chargers out to ensure 1-2 in Drivers' standings

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez both intend to pull out the stops in the final two races of 2022 to deliver a 1-2 finish to Red Bull in F1's Drivers' championship.

Ahead of this weekend's penultimate round in Sao Paulo, Perez is trailed in the standings by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by just five points.

However, with this weekend's schedule at Interlagos including a Sprint event, more points will be on offer, meaning that a misstep could prove costly for either contender.

Verstappen will be aiming for his 15th win this season, but the 2022 world champion also intends to lend his teammate a helping hand if necessary to defend his runner-up spot in the championship.

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"The Sprint race set up this weekend means we only have a short practice window, so that always makes it a slightly more difficult, ensuring that the car is perfect and that we set up the car well with limited time," said the Dutchman in Red Bull's Brazilian Grand Prix preview.

"As a Team we want to finish first and second in the Championship so it’s important that we make sure Checo stays ahead of Charles."

But Perez is determined to put up a fight and defend his lead over Leclerc, independent of his teammate's fortunes at Interlagos.

"I am going into the final two races of the season still feeling like I have everything to win," said the Mexican.

"We might be Constructors’ champions but as a Team, and for me personally, it is hugely important to secure a one-two in the Drivers’ Championship.

"For that I need to keep fighting and stay driven to achieve the best possible result in every race, including this weekend’s Sprint.

"The Sprint is a chance to score vital points, so it is important we get a good practice session in on Friday morning and qualify well.

"If we put everything together this weekend, we are the Team to beat and we are still so driven maintain the incredible form we have going this season."

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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.