Underperforming “Perez in Danger” as Invigorated Max Verstappen Returns to P1 at Suzuka

The 2023 season kicked off in dramatic fashion for Sergio Perez. The Mexican Minister of Defense was indeed on the offensive during the earlier stages of the season. His driving acumen even threatened a two-way battle for the championship against the ever-so-dominant Max Verstappen. Be that as it may, the turning point of the season was the Miami Grand Prix. Ever since then, Perez has seemed like a shadow of his former self. And now, it has damaged his season as well as his reputation as a driver.

Max Verstappen has gone on to rewrite the history books. While Perez has been struggling to get to grips with the RB19, the Dutch lion has become the first-ever F1 driver to score 10 consecutive Grands Prix wins in a season. Now, as the season comes to its fag end, Perez may actually be in danger of losing out on his credibility as a racing driver.

Brutal reality check given to underachieving Sergio Perez

No one expects you to match the generational talent that is Max Verstappen. However, given how dominant the Red Bull has been this season, the least that can be expected of Perez is finishing 2nd to the Dutch lion. Be that as it may, given the troubles of the Marina Bay Circuit, Verstappen has hit the ground running at the Suzuka International Circuit this weekend.

And with Verstappen topping both the Free Practice sessions today, a grim reality has been forced upon the Mexican. Tommy from P1 with Matt and Tommy podcast was quoted as saying, “[Sergio] Perez is in danger of maybe being half a second off Max [Verstappen] rather than being 2nd like he sometimes is. He could [now] be 9th, 10th on the grid, something like that, maybe even knocked out.”

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While Verstappen suffered during the 2023 Singapore GP, he made a prophecy that has come alarmingly true this weekend.

Max Verstappen predicted his Suzuka supremacy

It was a tough weekend for Max Verstappen and Co. as they struggled to find pace at the Marina Bay Circuit. But business is back to normal as Verstappen, true to his recent form, has been dominating the Japanese GP weekend. And it is no surprise to the Dutch lion.

In the aftermath of the Singapore GP, Verstappen was quoted as saying, “I think we will be quick in Suzuka. This track is so different to Suzuka, you can’t really relate. It should be good for our car. The track is always super-fun to drive so I hope as soon as we put the car on the track that it’s in a good window.”

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Can Max Verstappen resume his dominant run at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix?