Ex-F1 driver claims Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s cars ‘two different machines’ in Qualifying

Sergio Perez has an average deficit of about half a second in qualifying.

Ex-F1 driver claims Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s cars ‘two different machines’ in Qualifying

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Red Bull began the season with high hopes of recreating its 2023 success. However, at the mid-way point, the team has found itself in the midst of an intense title battle. With stakes rising every weekend, the Austrian giant requires both drivers to perform, but Sergio Perez has often been seen trundling the rear. Observing the difference between the Red Bull duo, the Ex-F1 driver, Juan Pablo Montoya claimed that Max Verstappen and the Mexican’s RB20 are two different machines.

Sergio Perez was hired to solve the second driver troubles at Red Bull. The relationship between the two went smooth sailing as the 34-year-old often had enough pace to claim podiums. However, this trend changed with the onset of the 2024 season as the Mexican began failing to qualify in the top 10 while his teammate claimed pole regularly.

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Witnessing this stark contrast, Juan Pablo Montoya analyzed the pair’s onboards and asserted that both drivers are driving entirely different cars.

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The difference in balance between [Sergio]Perez’s car and Max’s[Verstappen] car surprised me a lot. If you look at Checo’s car and Max’s car on the onboards, you’ll see how Max’s car can go through the corners, while with Checo’s car it seems impossible to go any faster, because the car doesn’t turn. But if you look at the balance in qualifying of his car and Max’s car, they are two very different cars.
Juan Pablo Montoya said on W Radio Colombia

The Colombian explained that when he looked at Max Verstappen‘s onboard, the car was obedient. Whereas, on Perez’s onboard, the RB20 seemingly fought him as the Red Bull appeared to be stubborn when the Mexican wanted the car to turn.

This could be down to the balance of the cars as the Dutchman is known to run a strong front-end, while Perez is renowned for his understeer-ey driving style. However, this contrast in the RB20’s balance made the former Grand Prix winner assert that the Red Bull line-up seemingly drove two very different cars.

Who can replace Sergio Perez if Red Bull pulls the plug on him?

On the other hand, if Perez continues his subpar form, Red Bull might sack him. However, this raises another question as to who will replace the outgoing Mexican if the Milton Keynes-based squad wants a reliable option.

Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, supposedly has an answer for this question.

I mean the obvious candidate is Liam Lawson. He is there. He’s ready to go. And he did a good job last year.
Guenther Steiner said on the Red Flags Podcast

The Italian-American claimed Liam Lawson to be the leading candidate. Despite Carlos Sainz being in the mix for the seat, he reckoned that the Austrian team would not hire him due to previous feuds when he was in his Toro Rosso days.

Apart from this, the Mexican has scored a dismal 15 points in the last six races, which has led to Red Bull conceding points in the constructor’s standings. Thus, Perez needs to level up his game in the upcoming rounds to save his dwindling F1 career.

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