Christian Horner reveals the Sergio Perez weakness that gave Max Verstappen the upper hand at Miami GP

Max Verstappen overwhelmed Sergio Perez at the Miami GP

Christian Horner reveals the Sergio Perez weakness that gave Max Verstappen the upper hand at Miami GP

Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Christian Horner (Credits: PlanetF1)

Max Verstappen delivered yet another extraordinary performance at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend, clinching victory despite starting from the ninth position on the grid. Outshining his teammate Sergio Perez, who began the race in pole position, Verstappen emerged triumphant in the thrilling contest at the Miami Street circuit.

According to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, Verstappen played a crucial role in hampering Perez’s chances of securing victory during the first sector of the Miami Grand Prix. The opening sector of the track comprised eight high-speed corners, and Horner stated that it was in this section where Verstappen gained an advantage over his Mexican teammate. Ultimately, he capitalized on this advantage, overtook Perez, and claimed the race win.

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Speaking to Motorsport.com, Horner revealed in sector one of the track, the Mexican was weak compared to the Dutch. He said, “It’s just purely sector one, I think [Turns] 3, 4, 5 and 6. Max was outstanding in that sector. And I think the rest of the lap was much of a muchness. But sector one was where Max was really doing a lot of damage.”

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Horner clarified that he had granted both drivers the freedom to compete against each other, provided they adhered to clean racing principles. Before the race, he had a discussion with the drivers, emphasizing the importance of respecting the team and each other while engaging in on-track battles.

Related:“Verstappen-Perez is same as Senna-Prost,” Sergio Perez’s father makes shocking comparison, claims Checo is at par with Max

Max Verstappen showed no mercy at the Miami GP

Max Verstappen won the Miami GP in style via Evening Standard
Max Verstappen won the Miami GP in style via Evening Standard

The Dutchman was forced to begin P9, as he didn’t get an opportunity to set a timed lap in Q3 before Charles Leclerc put his SF-23 into the barriers, red-flagging the session. This was a huge blow to the pole-favorite, forced to start back in P9 while his teammate and title contender Perez sat on the pole.

The Dutch Lion again exhibited his predatory instinct, mercilessly cutting through the field, giving no quarter. Even though he was on hard tires, while the surrounding cars were on mediums, it was no hindrance. He overtook them individually, including spectacular double overtakes on the likes of Charles Leclerc and Kevin Magnussen.

Eventually, without luck, he caught up to Perez, the race leader. Once all the pit stops were completed, it was just the two bulls locking horns around the high-intensity Miami circuit. Perez put up an admirable fight with a strong defense, but he, too, was helpless against the likes of Verstappen on Sunday. The World Champion went on to take the checkered flag in first, dominating his teammate and the grid alike, despite starting P9.

It is beginning to look like nothing can stand in Verstappen’s way as he maintains his dominance. He intends to build an unassailable lead to his teammate, who is equally intent on gunning for the title. However, if Verstappen continues this run of form, no fight anyone puts up on the grid will be adequate to beat him.

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