Back in the time, Max Verstappen had been a big threat to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton for a few years in the turbo-hybrid era. Later, with the beginning of the cost-cap era in 2021, the transfer of power actually happened. Verstappen went on to beat the seven-time champion narrowly, and all came down to the final lap of the Abu Dhabi race in 2021. Since then, Max and Red Bull have never looked back. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton is still searching for the coveted eighth title.
In the current season, Red Bull for sure has the best car on the grid. It seems like no other team has got a chance to compete against the RB19 car. Aston Martin, with the oldest driver in F1, Fernando Alonso, steering the wheel, looks closer than others to the Milton Keynes team. But still, Alonso is too far from the two Red Bull drivers.
The only threat to Max Verstappen is his teammate, Sergio “Checo” Perez, from winning the third title in a row. The opening race of the 2023 season in Bahrain saw Max Verstappen dominate completely. But Checo did well to come in second. However, things changed a bit in the second race of the year in Jeddah, with Sergio Perez finishing at the top of the chart.
Max Verstappen Not Happy With Nico Rosberg’s Comments
Verstappen, suffering from a stomach bug, was driving at the 15th position for a long time in the race. But in the final lap again, the Dutchman made the difference, winning the fastest lap and securing an extra point to still stay at the top of the standings. Perez explained that he thought he had the fastest lap, as his team told him. Hence, there is definitely a communication gap between the two drivers.
Former Mercedes driver and 2016 champion Nico Rosberg mentioned that Verstappen is a selfish driver as he is not a good team player. Later, Rosberg also criticized Verstappen for leaving a team meeting too soon. The entourage of the Dutchman seems not to take this German’s criticism too well and demands an apology. The Red Bull team has come forward to defend Max, saying that he left the meeting early to work on his recovery from the stomach illness.
Red Bull Vs. Red Bull: Verstappen Vs. Perez
Max Verstappen was not fully fit in the Saudia Arabian Grand Prix but still managed to finish at P2. That was a remarkable recovery to get from the 15th to the second position. According to the sources, Red Bull cannot control the Dutchman as he is not a very obedient driver and does what he feels like. On the other hand, the Mexican is a proper team player. Checo has been an instrumental force in helping Max Verstappen win the last season’s driver as well as constructor’s titles.
However, Max’s reaction to Checo’s victory in Jeddah was that the team was happy and everything. But I’m not because I’m not here to be second. I’m here to win it all. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez posted a message saying that he is looking forward to being the champion this year. However, the post was later deleted after a possible Red Bull instruction. Hence, there is tension between the two drivers mounting up. Only time will if it produces a new world champion.