F1 News: Sergio Perez’s father says Checo wins the “truly difficult races” Verstappen cannot
Checo #Checo
Sergio Perez’s father says that Max Verstappen is feeling the pressure at Red Bull, arguing that Checo is the best teammate the Dutchman has faced.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Tensions between Perez and Verstappen reached a boiling point at the Brazilian GP when Verstappen ignored team orders and refused to let Perez pass on the final lap.
Perez expressed his disgust at Verstappen’s decision, making a series of damming statements about his teammate on team radio and in the post-race interviews.
Verstappen defended his actions at Interlagos, explaining to Red Bull that he had his own ‘reasons’ to ignore the team’s instructions.
Red Bull has also released a statement regarding the incident, absolving Verstappen of any wrongdoing and insisting that the team is moving forward.
Despite these comments from the team, it will be impossible to erase the memory of the Brazilian GP.
As quoted by esto.com.mx, Sergio Perez’s father has given his view on the two drivers:
“Today, Max already feels Checo’s breath in his helmet because of what he is demonstrating.
“He has never [Verstappen] had a similar teammate, the others were much inferior. Checo wins races that Max cannot, the truly difficult ones.”
Many will point out the inaccuracies in these comments, given that Daniel Ricciardo outscored Verstappen whilst in the same machinery at Red Bull.
Verstappen and Sainz also enjoyed several battles as teammates in Toro Rosso, though the Dutchman emerged triumphant from this contest.
There is also no evidence to suggest – with all due respect – that Perez has come close to consistently challenging Verstappen.
Regardless, these comments from Checo’s father are indicative of the rift created in Brazil – irrespective of whatever statements Red Bull releases.
It would be hyperbolic to suggest that any significant or visible changes at Red Bull will come from the Brazilian GP controversy.
Still, it seems clear that the relationship between Perez and Verstappen will never be the same.