Perez and Hulkenberg Have the “Mental Capacity” to Complement Verstappen at Red Bull : Szafnauer

As Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg continue to be linked with a move to Red Bull, Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer chimes in with his opinion.

According to Szafnauer, the two ex Force India drivers would do very well at Red Bull, irrespective of which one the Milton Keynes based outfit pick to partner Max Verstappen.

He said, “Both of them have the mental capacity and the mental toughness to fit in alongside Max. Both of them.”

The duo, once teammates, certainly have enough talent and more than a generous amount of experience to fill the second Red Bull seat, which has been a carousel ever since Daniel Ricciardo left.

Perez has demonstrated the ability to get the best out of a mid-field car for a long time now. The Mexican has hauled the likes of Sauber and Force India to the podium a total of 8 times. Moreover, it’s high time Checo gets a top drive to show exactly what he can do.

As for Hulkenberg, he may not have the podiums like Checo to boast of. But he brings in just as much experience and has incredible pace as well. Furthermore, Nico’s performances as a fill in driver on three occasions this season has made people sit up and take note.

Racing Point Boss bigs up team’s recruitment for uncovering drivers like Sergio Perez and Hulkenberg

Both Perez and Hulkenberg have been perennially underrated. They have managed to slip under the radar whilst the young hotshots and the championship winners have stolen the spotlight.

Nevertheless, they have consistently delivered solid if not spectacular performances. For finding such talented drivers, Szafnauer praised the team’s recruitment.

He said, “We pride ourselves in picking good drivers. I think looking back historically, even in the Jordan days, Michael (Schumacher) was the first to drive for Eddie. Eddie picked good drivers.

“And in the Force India days too. I remember when I first came here, I didn’t choose them, but Adrian Sutil was really quick. We had some really good drivers here.”

Checo and Nico too are part of the same category. It remains to be seen which one of them gets the Red Bull drive, but rest assured they will deliver what Red Bull want.