The 2023 season has marked the highest number of races in a single season of Formula One of all time, with 23 races scheduled on the calendar. Although the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix did not commence due to extreme flooding in Italy, 22 races including triple headers still took place, a number higher than ever before 2020.

With the inefficient travel across the globe between races, schedules have been tight for both drivers and the staff working with the team. Sergio Perez thinks the number of races is right on the limit, especially for the mechanics, considering the last part of the season with the international travel.

I think this last part of the season has been super intense with the traveling backward and forwards. I think this schedule really has to be more efficient and try to look after everyone in this world a lot more, and my main concern is on my mechanics.

The last three Grands Prix have spanned three different continents; with Brazil in South America, Las Vegas in North America, and Abu Dhabi in Asia. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is exactly a week after Las Vegas, even after some drivers complained of jetlag at the American venue. 

Sergio Perez claims his relationship with Max Verstappen has improved

Sergio Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 replacing Alexander Albon, after being let go by Racing Point who hired Sebastian Vettel in their rebrand to Aston Martin. Perez played the role of Max Verstappen’s second driver for 2021 and 2022, helping the Dutchman win two of his World Championships.

Things soured between the pair of Red Bull drivers at the end of 2022 though, after Verstappen refused to let Perez by in his bid for P2 in the Championship, citing a previous incident at Monaco for which he believed Perez was responsible. In 2023, Perez attempted a title bid, winning two races ahead of his teammate, but lost momentum as the season passed.

The six-time GP winner thinks that his relationship with Verstappen has grown extremely strong in their third season together, as the conclusion of an extremely successful year for the Milton Keyes team approaches. Sainz said:

Yeah, I think it's been a good year. I think our relationship, it's really good. I think the whole engineering, you know, when we are in all those briefings through so many races, I think it's been good. 

Sergio Perez has helped Max Verstappen spearhead the charge to finish the 2023 season unbeaten. They could not achieve a clean sweep after Carlos Sainz took victory in Singapore, but did set the record for most wins in a single season. Perez also helped set the record for most wins in a row for a Constructor, breaking McLaren’s record of 11 with 15. 

In case you missed it:

• “Absolute joke!!” Fans react as FIA changes Abu Dhabi GP pit-lane rule courtesy of Max Verstappen’s antics
• WATCH: Lewis Hamilton claims he won’t retire until South African GP is back on the F1 calendar

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