“Sergio Perez Is the Most Solid Driver”: Verstappen Bias Stands Exposed as Checo’s Father Blasts Red Bull

Recall how Sergio Perez‘s 2020 performance, especially the Sakhir Grand Prix win, made Red Bull look outside its own talented pool of drivers. Red Bull signed the Mexican for the 2021 season and Checo has been with Red Bull ever since. But as it is with the Red Bull second seat, the Mexican faced many challenges. Now, Papa Perez has come out to blast Red Bull as the bias against Max Verstappen was exposed. What did Papa Perez say?

Sergio Perez posed a threat to Max Verstappen’s championship early on in the season. However, within 5 races, the challenge was gone as Max Verstappen dominated Miami onwards. Sergio Perez, on the other hand, fell into a slump of performance, as he was unable to make it into Q3 on multiple occasions. However, Checo’s father has a reason why it all happened.

Sergio Perez’s father hailed his son and advised that he’s the only Latin American driver in F1 as of now. He explained how Checo’s popularity around the globe is very high, as Mexican flags can be seen across all the circuits. Papa Perez added how Checo is the most solid driver in F1. It was further advised that the reason for Checo’s underperformance is the fact that Red Bull has developed the RB19 around Max Verstappen’s driving style.

According to gpblog.com, which quoted Esto.com, Antonio Perez said, “Today, Sergio Perez is the most solid driver in Formula 1. If you look at how many fans he has around the world.” Talking about the RB19, he then added, “Checo continues to battle. The car is set for Max (Verstappen) because he drives with all the grip at the front, and Checo has done it all the time with the grip at the back.”

Read More: Max Verstappen’s Fiery Backlash Gains Legitimacy as Ex-Ferrari Boss Throws Light on Singapore Heartbreak

Sergio Perez prefers a car that has a little under-steer. This characteristic in turn helps the Mexican with tire management. Hence, the name Tire Whisperer. However, the RB19 is inherently an over-steering car, something that Checo doesn’t prefer and would have taken some time to get used to. Regardless, Checo’s shambolic display in Japan wasn’t down to the car. 

Sergio Perez’s miserable outing in Japan

It all started when Sergio Perez wasn’t able to qualify anywhere near Max Verstappen, with the gap to the Dutchman being 7 tenths. It was followed by a lap 1 accident when the Mexican got squeezed between Lewis Hamilton and the two Ferraris as they went 4 wide into turn 1. The Mexican picked up damage as a result. 

A penalty then followed it as Checo was found guilty of safety car infringement as he overtook Fernando Alonso while coming into the pits. Eager to make a position, Checo crashed into Kevin Magnussen later in the race and retired the car. But that wasn’t all. He had to get into the car once again to serve his penalty. 

Watch this Story: Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race