We, or perhaps everyone in the world of F1, cannot talk about the season Max Verstappen has had. The three-time world champion shattered records in the wake of his championship charge in 2023. The Dutchman was the undisputed champion this season, and to think anyone could’ve challenged him is delusional. At least, that’s the understanding of former British driver Joylon Palmer.

The Brit believes no one was close to Verstappen in 2023. Not even Sergio Perez, in equal machinery, despite his constant claims at the start of the season. Especially until the first four races. And that, according to him, was delusional. As most experts are, the BBC commentator is in complete awe of Verstappen. He expressed that with his comments about the Red Bull man on the F1: Chequered Flag podcast. In doing so, he threw Perez under the bus.

Jolyon Palmer said, “I never bought into this idea that people were trying to sell in the first four races that Perez was a genuine title contender because he’s just not good enough to challenge Verstappen over a season. We saw that as the season developed.” He then substantiated his claim with the Miami GP example, where Verstappen started from 9th and beat Perez, who started from pole with a gap of over five seconds.

Palmer speculated, “[Miami] probably started the downward spiral we saw from Perez in the next few races. I think that really hurt him. He’d been kidding himself.” The host then pointed out how every driver needs that winning mentality to mount a challenge against the top championship contender, who, in this case, was Max Verstappen. Palmer concluded, “Perez isn’t that level of driver. You’re deluding yourself if you go into a season thinking you are.”

Read More: “Cars Are the Same”: Sergio Perez Gets No Sympathy From Max Verstappen as Embarrassment Continues

In fact, Palmer isn’t the only one with this understanding. Many others share the same opinion on this matter. Additionally, F1 expert Peter Windsor shared his two cents on what gave Verstappen the edge.

What was the difference between the Red Bull teammates?

It was a common understanding that the Mexican Minister of Defence was also the King of the Streets. The Mexican is considered an expert when it comes to narrow racing lanes. Keeping that in mind, the comparatively increased numbers of street races should’ve worked in Perez’s favor. However, Windsor shared his expert opinion on the change Verstappen made that shifted the tide completely in his favor.

When asked if Verstappen is the finest F1 driver of the modern era, he said, “I felt that Perez’s feel for traction and the back end of the car, applying power is what was one thing that Max needed to improve. That’s something that Perez showed out of slow corners of Baku, Monaco, and other circuits. And I think Max has pretty much done that now.”

Windsor added, “Max is pretty much with Perez. I think that’s why Perez was struggling more in the back end of 2023 than he was in the previous year because Max has now covered that little base as well. So he’s even better than he was in that area, probably as good as Perez now.”

There you have it, folks. The faultless opinion around Verstappen corroborated with expert opinion. Do you agree with Windsor, or in your opinion, is someone else better than the Dutchman in the modern era?

WATCH THIS STORY: How is Sergio Perez So Good at Street Tracks in F1?