Sergio Perez proclaims Max Verstappen ‘fully deserves’ third F1 world title

Sergio Perez's crash ensured Verstappen's title win today in Qatar.

Sergio Perez proclaims Max Verstappen ‘fully deserves’ third F1 world title

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (Credits: IMAGO)

Today’s sprint race in Qatar quite easily summed up Red Bull’s season so far. While Sergio Perez crashed out halfway through the race, Max Verstappen was crowned the world champion for the third consecutive time. He became the only driver after Sebastian Vettel to win three consecutive titles with Red Bull. After the race, Perez was asked how he felt about his teammate winning the title again.

Verstappen has continuously outclassed Perez throughout the season, but the Mexican was truly happy for his teammate. He said that Verstappen deserves all the success that has come his way. He claimed that no other driver had driven as well as Verstappen in 2023.

YouTube video

“There can only be one winner, and he has driven a lot better than anyone else this season, and he deserves all the success. I’m happy for him, he worked really hard for it, together with all the team. Well done to him,” said Perez.

FS Video

However, this must be a difficult situation for Perez. While Verstappen writes history with Red Bull, he struggles greatly on and off the track. His DNF today was proof of that. With the drivers’ championship now sealed, Perez can solely focus on retaining his P2 in the standings.

In case you missed it: WATCH: Sergio Perez goes into the gravel with Nico Hulkenberg after a horrific crash with Esteban Ocon

Sergio Perez bemoans his DNF in the sprint race in Qatar

Perez had an upsetting collision with Esteban Ocon on lap 12. The former Alpine duo was battling it out when Ocon took out Perez and Nico Hulkenberg while defending against Perez. The trio hit the gravel, with Perez and Ocon instantly retiring. Perez opened up about the incident post-race, saying he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez (Credits: Autosport)

Perez said that he was already suffering from low grip. He noted that Ocon’s collision with Hulkenberg, which spun him, was his bad luck. Perez said that it was his bad luck that he was at that particular spot. He said that just when he started to progress, the incident also resulted in massive damage to his car.

“What a shame. I was just in the wrong place with these two guys and ended up taking a lot of damage on my car. It was very low grip to start the race and we were making good progress,” said Perez.

Keep reading: