Helmut Marko admits Sergio Perez is no longer a title contender, reveals Max Verstappen never saw him as a true challenger

Sergio Perez's title hopes are bleak after he endured a calamitous race at Monaco

Helmut Marko admits Sergio Perez is no longer a title contender, reveals Max Verstappen never saw him as a true challenger

Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez( Credits: SI and The Guardian)

Max Verstappen is making rapid strides toward his third world title, leaving little room for doubt among those in the paddock regarding his chances of being crowned champion at the end of 2023. Despite only six races having taken place so far, the Dutchman has showcased his dominance in the championship by securing four victories, with the remaining claimed by teammate and rival Sergio Perez.

However, the Monaco GP put a massive dent in the Mexican’s hopes, as he scored no points, while Verstappen took victory. Consultant and advisor to Red Bull Helmut Marko have now expressed his views on the ongoing rivalry. Speaking to the media, the Austrian said, “It’s already over. But in reality, Max never saw Perez as a serious threat.”

Helmut Marko believes the title is all but secured for the Dutchman and has revealed that the 25-year-old never regarded Sergio Perez as a significant threat to his performance and chances of success in the championship. The Mexican put up an admirable fight, but in Marko’s eyes, Verstappen is the inevitable champion. The gap between the duo is now 39 points and could increase further in Spain.

Related: Max Verstappen cautions F1 against imposing anti-Red Bull regulations, insists Red Bull won’t sweep every race of 2023

Despite his Monaco GP nightmare, Sergio Perez remains hopeful of a resurgence

Sergio Perez (Credits: The Guardian)
Sergio Perez (Credits: The Guardian)

In the initial stages of the 2023 season, Sergio Perez closely trailed his Red Bull teammate, securing two victories compared to Verstappen’s three in the first five rounds of the championship. However, the streets of Monte Carlo gave him a merciless reality-check. He endured a costly crash in qualifying, forcing him to start at the back of the grid. T

Race day showed no sympathy as he struggled time again. He endured multiple setbacks, including a collision, which only permitted him to cross the line in 16th place. As a title contender, dropping 25 points to your rival can be a fatal blow in your hopes, and Max Verstappen dealt him just that. To add insult to injury, he was lapped by Verstappen. Regardless of the criticism he is facing, Perez remains optimistic about a comeback.

Speaking to ESPN, he said, “I’ve been a match to Max since the beginning of the season, in one way or another. It is sometimes better, sometimes worse and it’s where I believe you have to be. I think being teammates with Max is probably the toughest thing you can have because he is a driver who has the most form of all, and I do believe it’s possible to beat him.”

Nonetheless, the odds are against him, sitting 39 points adrift of the Dutchman, with the upcoming race staged at a venue that draws his strengths. He faces the uphill task of besting the most in-form driver on the grid, but F1 is unpredictable, and no outcome can be ruled out until the checkered flag waves.

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