Max Verstappen, after his dominant display in 2022, has cemented his world-class status in the world of Formula 1. The Dutchman won a record 15 races and is performing at an outstanding level. To beat someone like Verstappen, even in equal machinery, anyone will have to take a big step up. This is exactly what Sergio Perez‘s former manager has suggested he should do.

Speaking to the Dutch fraction of Motorsport.com, Perez’s former manager complimented his compatriot’s performance in 2022. However, Adrian Fernandez, who was Perez’s manager for two years, also gave Checo a brutal reality check in comparison to Max.

In fact, he said Perez will have to climb a mountain to reach Verstappen’s level. “Checo [Perez] is performing well. The problem is that [Max] Verstappen is driving next to him. Checo is an excellent driver and now very experienced. But now he has to find out what Max does differently from him.”

He added, “But he will soon have to step up a gear. I believe in Checo’s abilities, but to get to that level, he will have to take a big step.”

The former manager admitted Verstappen’s history with the team will be a challenge as the team is built around him. However, without Sergio digging deep and upping his game, he will be no match for the Dutchman.

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Perez would really want to take the fight to Verstappen, especially after the incident in Brazil. However, beating Verstappen will be the ultimate test in F1 for the Mexican driver. As Adrian Fernandez truly believes Max is driving on the highest level. In fact, Checo’s former manager put Max on the same pedestal as some F1 greats.

Max Verstappen put on the same level as Hamilton, Schumacher, and Senna

The Mexican former team owner and racer gave Verstappen the biggest compliment while talking about Perez’s challenge. Fernandez put Verstappen on the same level as some of the Formula 1 greats.

Fernandez said, “Max is just on a different level. He is of the caliber of Senna, Schumacher, and Hamilton. Max is virtually untouchable at the moment. He hardly makes mistakes. And if something unexpectedly goes wrong, he still knows how to overcome that setback”

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A huge compliment to the two-time world champion Max Verstappen. Moreover, the Dutchman has done everything to earn such a compliment and if Sergio Perez wants to beat his teammate, he will have to go above and beyond.