As the unsaid practice goes in F1, every team, expressly or impliedly, has a number 1 and a number 2 driver. During his time at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas was a great servant to the team, often putting the team’s result ahead of putting his own interests. However, his willingness to play the team game earned him an unwanted reputation. Currently, at Red Bull, Sergio Perez is playing a similar role. Helmut Marko, however, recently insisted that it wasn’t the case, as Red Bull did not have such a hierarchy between Max Verstappen and Checo. The comments, however, failed to convince fans who felt the Austrian team was living in delusion.
Whenever Verstappen fails to deliver results for the team (as rare as that is), Perez is always there to put his hand up. Moreover, the Mexican always puts the team’s interest above his own, most famously giving up his position at Abu Dhabi in 2021 to let Max win his maiden world championship title. Despite all of it, many believed his place on the team was not secure since Daniel Ricciardo’s arrival.
Fans mock Red Bull for ‘no favorite driver’ stand
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In a recent interview with Sport.de, Helmut Marko heaped praise on Perez for surviving 2 years with Max. He lauded the Mexican driver for his grit and determination and stressed the team’s no number 1, number 2 driver stand. He insisted that the first place was not a given for Verstappen and Perez was capable of taking the fight to the Dutchman in his own right.
Fans, however, found the statement to be delusional and untrue. Have a look at some reactions from Twitter.
It was also what’s never a given which of the two drivers would win the championship at Ferarri and Mercedes.
You have a FerarriBottas, a MercedesBottas and now a RedbullBottas. 👍
— Weghorst Appreciator (@reithintsje) March 12, 2023
I wonder why Marko has been so nice to Checo lately. He knows Checo is cooking! 👀
— Checo Cruise (@IcelandicCubic9) March 11, 2023
Me when I say something knowing how things will turn out:
— Master🅱️lan Enjoyer (@sBinnalla64) March 11, 2023
Marko talked about their aim for getting the 1-2 in standings in 2023. As it was obvious that he was talking about the drivers’ championship, he did not expressly say it. One fan took a little swipe at that.
second in constructor must be nice
— Nazareth (@simplycola) March 11, 2023
Some fans found Marko’s comments so unbelievable that they wondered whether he was in his right senses.
Who are you and what you did to Marko https://t.co/aJJmzMGzXL pic.twitter.com/u8oqNoKKAx
— chelx (@ksnk__c) March 12, 2023
get grandpa off the pills ive seen enough https://t.co/2Xjh2wZuEj
— victoria (@vicstappen) March 11, 2023
he’s so quirky and funny https://t.co/yxWkUjVZEI
— val (@visceralfeel) March 11, 2023
Another fan reminded Red Bull of last year’s Brazilian GP when Verstappen defied team orders and did not let Perez pass. As they did not see Max being reprimanded for his actions, they rubbished the no “first place belongs to Verstappen” claims.
Last year, you already had the CHANCE to do it ! But selfish Max didn't want to help Checo ! And you didn't say anything ! 🤔😈#VoidLap58 #F1xed #HumanErrorChampion #AbuDhabiScandal #WeStandWithSIRLewisHamilton #CostcappenScandal #CostCapChampion https://t.co/18JqWOTXhv
— Fast Phil (@FastPhil67427) March 12, 2023
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Watch This Story: Helmut Marko blasts Lewis Hamilton for role in Michael Masi sacking
It actually IS a given that the first place belongs to Verstappen https://t.co/EYQ3NQm8am
— Marty (@Marty_5555) March 11, 2023
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Do you believe Helmut Marko’s claim? Is there really no hierarchy between Max and Checo?