The 2023 Formula 1 season has presented its fair share of challenges for Sergio Perez as he partners with Max Verstappen at Red Bull. The Mexican driver has encountered difficulties in maintaining consistency throughout the year, acknowledging the need for external support to keep a positive mindset.
Following a challenging series of races after the Miami Grand Prix that left him doubting both the car and his own capabilities, Perez has managed to regain his form and aims to solidify his position in second place in the Drivers’ Championship, although he remains a considerable distance behind the title-bound Verstappen.
Sergio Perez has been taking on the formidable Max Verstappen, who is often hailed as a generational talent. While 2023 may be perceived as one of Perez’s more challenging seasons alongside Verstappen, especially after a promising start, it’s essential to recognize that the Mexican driver’s performance has held its own.
Fernando Tornello, a commentator for ESPN Latin America, provided insights into the dynamics within Red Bull. He noted, “Max Verstappen is a driver who consistently exceeds 10 points, and Checo Perez typically scores between 8 and 9 points, which is commendable for a driver. There have been championship-winning drivers with lower points than what Checo Perez can achieve. Checo faces stiff competition within the team, and beating Verstappen is a formidable challenge, but Checo has managed to outperform him in a few races.”
During the summer, there were observations of performance differences between Perez and Verstappen, prompting questions about whether Red Bull tailored the RB19 car to Verstappen’s preferences. However, Tornello dismissed this hypothesis, echoing statements from Red Bull, Verstappen, and Perez himself. He explained, “Each driver has their preferences, and the team provides the car to the driver they believe will secure the most victories, which is Verstappen. So, Checo is adapting.”
Addressing the controversial comments made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, where Marko speculated about Perez’s nationality affecting his performance, Tornello suggested a different perspective. He believed that Marko’s comments were intended to motivate the drivers and push them to improve. Tornello stated, “Take Marko’s comments with a light-hearted approach; it seems he enjoys it that way. He uses these comments to prod the drivers, encouraging them to give their best and strive for improvement. I don’t think Marko’s comments are targeted solely at Checo – it’s a motivational tactic for all the drivers. He doesn’t criticize Verstappen because Verstappen consistently delivers, and Marko likely views him as the ‘golden child’ of the team. If Verstappen were to leave the team, it would create complications for them as he would join a rival team at the top, so they must keep him content.”
In summary, while Sergio Perez faces challenges alongside Max Verstappen, his performance has demonstrated commendable consistency. Red Bull’s team dynamics remain a focal point, with Marko’s comments serving as a motivational tool rather than a reflection of any bias. Perez’s future at Red Bull will likely depend on his ability to maintain his form and contribute to the team’s aspirations.
