Sergio Perez urged to follow Nico Rosberg and stop being ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ against Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez aims to fight for his first F1 world championship in 2023. The Mexican driver is confident of putting a challenge to his teammate and reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The two Red Bull drivers have won 2 races each so far this season, with the dominant RB-19 providing them with the prime position for wins. Former F1 driver Anothony Davidson reckoned that Checo should learn from 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg.

Davidson mentioned that the 33-year-old would soon need to make a choice about how to deal with the 2023 season. The Briton said, “I think he realises that he’s come to this crossroads now this season already.” Anothony was convinced that to match Verstappen, Perez had no choice but to follow Nico Rosberg as the German driver defeated Lewis Hamilton in 2016. He continued, “So what do you do? You’ve got to be more Rosberg 2016. That’s what you’ve got to do.”

The 44-year-old highlighted his own experience in F1 and statedd how his team spirit got him to be more successful outside of Formula 1. Davidson explained, “I was always told from team bosses that I was too nice. I think they were right. That’s what made me a much better sportscar driver, I was more of a team player.”

Moreover, the former F1 driver suggested that Sergio Perez had to adopt the mindset of Rosberg if the Mexican wanted to win the title. No matter how guilty the 33-year-old might feel. Anthony said, “I think now it’s time for Sergio to stop being ‘Mr Nice Guy’. He’s got to take a leaf out of Rosberg 2016 and maybe, as much as it might hurt, to be the guy that he doesn’t want really to be.”

Discover: 5 times Max Verstappen lost his temper with F1 rivals

“Get under Max Verstappen’s skin,” Anthony Davidson to Sergio Perez

The Briton pointed out that Perez will need to make hard calls that might not be liked. He continued, “He’s got to make sacrifices and decisions this season that might go the way that his family doesn’t want him to go.” The 44-year-old further mentioned that Sergio could need to say things that could ring alarm bells at Red Bull.

Davidson added, “He might have to take himself away. What Rosberg did. He might have to say things to the team they don’t want him to say, or he doesn’t necessarily feel comfortable saying.” Anothony explained that Perez himself would be aware that it might be his best chance to win the world title this season. However, the Mexican driver will need to get inside Max Verstappen‘s head.

The 44-year-old stated, “He’s got to get under Max Verstappen’s skin. He’s got to annoy him. This is his moment and it might only be his one chance. I think he knows and we all know it as well. He’s so close. Just six points behind after four races and he’s looking good.” Lastly, the Briton emphasized the need for Perez to stop being a nice team player. He concluded, “I don’t think he’ll be able to do it if he plays ‘Mr Nice Guy’ this year.”

Thus, Anthony Davidson insists that Sergio Perez can put up a title challenge in 2023. However, the Mexican driver must step up his game and stop caring about helping the team. Checo must put himself first in racing head-to-head with Verstappen and solidify himself as a championship contender rather than playing second fiddle.

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