Max Verstappen Sergio Perez Red Bull

Arnab Bose

Will Max Verstappen Help Red Bull Teammate Sergio Perez Defend P2 In Drivers Championship Against Lewis Hamilton?

The two Red Bull drivers – Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, are having the most contrasting seasons this year. On one hand, the Dutchman can’t stop winning, and on the other, Checo can’t figure out a way to win again in 2023. Many fans and experts wonder why Red Bull has such contrasting experiences from their two different drivers. Then the question arises: is it because the Austrian team favors the European driver over the South American?

Moreover, the Red Bull advisor recently found himself in controversy after making racist statements toward Sergio Perez. Later, Checo said Helmut Marko apologized to him personally. However, Sergio Perez has frequently mentioned how difficult it is to be a teammate to Max Verstappen. The Dutchman makes it so difficult for his teammate because he goes on to win race after race. There is a good chance that Checo might lose P2 again, like last season. How can Max Verstappen help his teammate to secure the P2 spot?

   

Max Verstappen Might Not Help His Teammate Secure P2

Max Verstappen Sergio Perez Red Bull
Max Verstappen Sergio Perez Red Bull Source: PlanetF1

According to Natalie Pinkham, an F1 presenter, Max Verstappen won’t lend any help to his teammate for securing P2. Moreover, Max is not the kind of guy who would willingly let anybody, even his teammate, win a race. That’s what Pinkham talked about on the F1 Nation podcast, saying, “There’s a ruthless streak in both Red Bull boss and star driver. They are extremely meticulous and have no room for empathy.” No matter who comes second.

Moreover, Pinkham praised the Red Bull team’s work ethic. That’s why the Milton Keynes team is winning and dominating the grid in such a fashion. Moreover, former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa agreed with Natalie Pinkham. De la Rosa, too, suggests that if helping Sergio Perez means keep winning, then Red Bull will do that. But Max Verstappen won’t give away a win because it is not good for him or the team or anyone. 

Sergio Perez Is In Deep Trouble

Sergio Perez Red Bull
Sergio Perez Red Bull Source: Sky Sports

But Sergio Perez says he has difficulty understanding the car. That’s what increases the pressure on the Mexican driver. Lately, Checo hired a mental coach to deal with a lack of self-confidence. However, it does not seem to be working, as he is still very inconsistent. Initially, Checo won a couple of races, and fans thought they would get to see an intense Red Bull rivalry with Max and Checo going for the title. However, since the Miami Grand Prix, Sergio Perez has faded away due to inconsistency.

He had several DNFs and a couple of eliminations in Q3. Gradually, the gap between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the Driver’s Championship is getting bigger. Max Verstappen will eventually win the title, and if things don’t change much, then the Dutchman can claim his third title in the Qatar Grand Prix. On the other hand, Sergio Perez is in deep trouble to secure his P2 finish. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Lando Norris of McLaren are rapidly closing in on the Mexican driver.