Sergio Perez admits he is “not super comfortable” with Red Bull RB20 compared to Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez has failed to find the same level of comfort with the RB20 as Max Verstappen.

Sergio Perez admits he is “not super comfortable” with Red Bull RB20 compared to Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO), RB20

Red Bull Racing dominated Formula 1 with Max Verstappen‘s record-breaking season in 2023. The Austrian team took a radical approach with its 2024 car designed by aero genius Adrian Newey. Max Verstappen felt at home with the Red Bull RB20 during Pre-season testing. However, it seems that Sergio Perez is having a more difficult time than his teammate.

Perez had struggled with the RB19 last season. The Mexican driver finished second in what was a Red Bull 1-2 in Bahrain. However, Verstappen finished 22 seconds ahead of the 34-year-old. Checo admitted that he was not fully comfortable with the new car. Although, Sergio Perez highlighted that he could understand it better than its predecessor.

I think at the moment, let's say, the car it's not super comfortable for me, but I understand a lot more of the car.
Sergio Perez said as reported by Motorsport.com
YouTube video

Moreover, Checo reckoned that Red Bull had a lot of room in the RB20 to maximize performance in the coming races. Sergio Perez had previously praised Milton Keynes for taking a brave concept with its 2024 challenger. 

I think as a team we understand a lot more on how to maximise the performance out of the car. 

Can Sergio Perez challenge Max Verstappen for race wins in 2024?

Perez only won two races in 2023 compared to Max Verstappen’s nineteen victories. The Mexican driver fell far behind his world-champion teammate over the course of last season. However, the 34-year-old would be aiming to potentially challenge the three-time world champion for race wins this season.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez might find it difficult to push Max Verstappen in the first few races of the season. Verstappen is driving at the peak of his career with an impressive win in Bahrain. Moreover, Perez’s discomfort with the RB20 could make it more challenging for the 34-year-old to take the fight to his teammate.

Certainly, fans would be hoping to see closer competition between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. However, the reigning world champion is already a step ahead in this battle with a dominant win in the season opener. Although, it remains to be seen if Perez can finally match Verstappen at Milton Keynes.

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