Red Bull’s Perez Responds to ‘Easy Teammate’ Claims
Sergio Perez has dismissed recent suggestions that he has been kept at Red Bull solely because he is a compliant teammate to Max Verstappen. The 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve labeled Perez as a clear ‘number 2′ driver, drawing comparisons to former deputies of Michael Schumacher like Eddie Irvine or Rubens Barrichello.
In response to the speculation, Perez emphasized his focus on performing to the best of his abilities on the track, disregarding any external opinions or labels. Despite not making it out of Q1 in the Canadian GP, Perez remains determined to contribute to the team’s success.
Red Bull’s F1 consultant Dr. Helmut Marko attributed Perez’s struggles to psychological factors rather than the car’s performance, noting the challenges the Mexican driver faces in adapting to changing conditions. With McLaren and Ferrari securing wins in 2024, the once-dominant Red Bull team is facing increased competition on the grid.
Mercedes’ technical boss James Allison expressed doubts about Red Bull’s recent car upgrades, suggesting that the team may have taken a step back in performance. Verstappen echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the current difficulties faced by Red Bull amidst technical issues and Mercedes’ strong pace.
As Red Bull navigates through a challenging period in the season, both Perez and Verstappen remain committed to overcoming obstacles and regaining their competitive edge on the track. With the Formula 1 landscape evolving rapidly, the team’s ability to address issues and refocus on their strengths will be crucial in the upcoming races.