Formula 1 or Formula Max, no driver on the grid has an answer to Super Max’s dominance. Max Verstappen‘s dominance in the 2023 season has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. With a staggering 11 wins out of 13 races, including a remarkable streak of 9 consecutive victories, Verstappen has stamped his authority on the track and amongst the G.O.A.Ts. As the dust settles on another thrilling race, one thing becomes crystal clear: the battle between Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez is far from being a symmetrical contest. While RB19 has left competitors trailing in its wake, accusations have emerged, casting shadows on RBR’s team dynamics.
Verstappen’s outstanding performance has seen him accumulate a commanding 339 points, firmly placing him at the top of the World Drivers’ Championship, while Perez, with 201 points, trails behind in second place. After clinching two early-season victories, Perez’s consistency waned, leading him to slip back into the upper midfield in several races. Perez noted that the Red Bull car didn’t always align with his driving style, and moments of doubt crept in when confidence wavered during challenging weekends. Amid these fluctuations, a subtle accusation has emerged – one that whispers of favoritism within the Red Bull camp. It is suggested that the team’s machinery and strategic decisions might be swayed in favor of Verstappen, casting a shadow over Perez’s prospects of an equitable competition.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Toto Wolff expressed his bewilderment at the qualifying gap between Verstappen and Perez, Wolff called the discrepancy “odd” and “bizarre.” He pointedly stated that Perez is no novice, having proved his mettle in previous teams. The saga took an intriguing turn when ex-Ferrari manager, Peter Windsor weighed in with a reality check during his F1 live analysis of the Dutch Grand Prix. He says, “Checo, he’s got very good qualities in a lot of areas but he’s you know he’s no match for Max when it comes to the complete lap or even the complete corner for that matter, not all corners but most corners.”
Windsor emphatically stated that Perez falls short when compared to Verstappen’s precision and completeness. Windsor’s assessment underscores a crucial point – Verstappen’s excellence is not solely attributed to car superiority or favoritism but is intrinsically tied to his exceptional skill on the track. Perez’s struggles might have not gone unnoticed, as recent developments suggest a possible fracture in the driver’s relationship with the team.
Sergio Perez’s struggles amid Red Bull’s turmoil
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Perez finds himself grappling not only with the formidable challenge posed by his teammate but also with internal dynamics that appear to be taking a toll on his performance. The evident strain within the Red Bull garage finds its roots in the assessment of Ralf Schumacher. Schumacher sheds light on the dynamics at play, pointing towards Helmut Marko’s influence and managerial approach as potential factors contributing to Perez’s struggles.
Schumacher states, “Dr. Helmut Marko is not exactly known for his warm-hearted way of dealing with Perez. I think that Perez as a guy can’t deal with that so well, that’s how I explain these serious mistakes.” This analysis underscores Marko’s reputation for being pragmatic and results-driven might not align with Perez’s needs, potentially causing an emotional discord that reflects in his on-track performance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think will anyone be able to challenge Max Verstappen considering his current form?
WATCH THIS STORY | From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen: How F1 Drivers train