Former F1 team owner claims Sergio Perez did not ‘push’ Max Verstappen to the limit in 2023

Max Verstappen clinched his third F1 world title in 2023 while Sergio Perez fell far behind the Dutch driver.

Former F1 team owner claims Sergio Perez did not ‘push’ Max Verstappen to the limit in 2023

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez had a roller-coaster of a season in 2023. The Mexican scored two victories in the beginning of the season and could have potentially challenged Max Verstappen for the championship contention. However, after a massive slump, Perez failed to be at par with his dominant teammate. As a result, Verstappen had a smooth sailing season with little to no competition at the forefront.

Former team owner, Eddie Jordan shared his piece of mind over this situation for the two Red Bull drivers. Jordan believed that to maximize a driver’s potential, a strong teammate is required. However, since Perez left no competition for the Dutchman, the latter did not need to ‘push’ past his limits to win races. Hence, if Checo were just quicker, the three-time world champion would have had a real competition according to the 75-year-old.

I think a very strong team-mate is exactly what you want. And I just would like to say, with the same analogy, if Checo was quicker, I think we would have seen even a quicker Max, that’s the thing, because I don’t think he pushed himself.
Jordan said on Formula for Success podcast (H&T: planetf1.com).
YouTube video

Additionally, after maintaining a lead of over 17 seconds or more, a driver does not need to maintain much to win the race. Hence, Lewis Hamilton falling behind the Dutchman further eased the season for the world champion. As a result, Verstappen did not need to win the race in the slowest time possible due to the lack of competition during the majority of the races.

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When Lewis is talking about 17 seconds down the road, that’s 17 seconds down the road without even having to be pushed! So now let’s put it in the right context, because it’s one thing [being] out there in the front, you’re minding your tyres, you don’t necessarily win the race in the slowest possible time.

Sergio Perez needs a better 2024 season to retain his seat at Red Bull

Naturally, after a mediocre performance in 2023, multiple people on the grid started discussing the departure of Sergio Perez from the grid. However, the team soon banished these talks due to the 33-year-old’s contract. Hence, Perez needs to perform at his A-game to retain his seat within Milton Keynes for the following seasons after his contract expiration.

Sergio Perez and max Verstappen (Credits: Sky Sports)
Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (Credits: Sky Sports)

Jordan asserted that he did not see Perez being replaced by the British constructor any time soon. The reason for this was that not only that he have a contract, but also the people in Red Bull were honorable and loyal to their crew. So, a replacement for Perez following the 2024 season might be an option that Milton Keynes would consider, keeping in mind the Mexican’s performance in the upcoming season.

There’s been a lot of talk about Checo possibly being replaced. I personally don’t see that. He has a contract and I have a good idea the people in Red Bull are pretty honourable people through and through.

Hence the 33-year-old really needs to work hard in the upcoming season in order to maintain his job at Red Bull. Milton Keynes has proved that the team has a winning mentality with Verstappen’s dominant run in 2023. All that remains for Perez is to get his head in the game and finally challenge the reigning world champion in the upcoming season.

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