Despite Max Verstappen’s Destructive Dominance, Red Bull’s Superiority Downplayed With Valuable Insights

If you’ve heard the super-aggressive Max Verstappen song on social media memes, you know how the 2023 season is going. The intensity at which the Dutchman is racing is higher than the song’s intensity. That’s quite a statement. However, a former F1 Swiss driver is convinced that it is Verstappen’s skills and talent that is helping him and not the Red Bull car.

The RB19, without a doubt, is the best car on the grid this year. The pace is unmatched and aerodynamics is a notch above the rest. Moreover, once DRS is activated and the rear wing flap opens, the car flies. But this has been the case for only one Red Bull car this year, and that is Verstappen’s. Former F1 driver, Marc Surer has given credit where it is due.

“Yes, he’s in the best car. But the best car isn’t as superior as Max makes it seem,” Surer explained in an exclusive interview on Formel1.de YouTube channel, as quoted by Motorsport Total. It is the 2-time champion’s “self confidence” and astuteness that is doing wonders for him. Surer concluded by highlighting Verstappen’s growth over the years in F1: “[He] doesn’t do anything unreasonable anymore.”

Read More: Max Verstappen Gets Cold Shouldered as Trusted Aide Hails Daniel Ricciardo for Rescuing Red Bull From Ruins

Amid the praise-Verstappen party, Sergio Perez has not gotten any appreciation for his comeback. But Verstappen made sure that he gives some credit to his teammate for the team’s performance.

Max Verstappen’s reflection on 2023 performance serves as consolation for Sergio Perez

After the Azerbaijan GP, Perez had the biggest slump since the time he joined Red Bull. 5 pre-Q3 eliminations from Monaco to Silverstone were the result of rising mental pressure to keep up with Verstappen. As a result, the gap between the two widened in the WDC and is now 125 points. When the Dutchman was asked about Perez slipping down the grid, he gave a composed answer as to how Perez has managed to still be 2nd in the WDC despite his downward spiral.

Verstappen told F1.com, “I think as a team in general, to have won all the race so far has been good. We’re first and second in the championship so it’s been good. It doesn’t matter if it’s perfect. It’s never perfect but if it’s really good, it’s fine. We just need to keep on working. Sometimes you have a few tough moments where you make mistakes.”

There might be all kinds of chatter around the Milton-Keynes outfit. But the bottom line is that they are still looking set to win both championships this year.

WATCH THIS STORY | 9 Years as Garage Mates, Yet Max Verstappen Overlooked in GOAT Talk for Being a Ruthless Winner