Sergio Perez’s father has ‘no doubt’ that his son could’ve been ‘world champion several times’ by now

Sergio Perez's father thinks that provided capable machinery, his son (currently in a title fight) could've been 'world champion several times' by now.

Sergio Perez’s father has ‘no doubt’ that his son could’ve been ‘world champion several times’ by now

Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez is currently involved in a tight championship battle with his teammate, Max Verstappen. As it stands, the Dutchman is 12 points ahead. However, both of them have traded wins, and Perez may well come back at him. There’s no saying just how close this battle will end up being, or if someone else will also get involved, eventually. However, one thing is clear: Checo has taken quite a step forward.

While one could make excuses for his past wins with Red Bull, both of the Mexican’s driver wins in 2023 have been relatively on merit. And in general, he’s looked more confident as well as being closer to Verstappen. Further, he has clearly asserted that he wants to win the championship this season. Whether or not this happens, it’s a good sign for him. He’s stepped it up this season, at least till now, and could possibly keep his seat beyond 2024.

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Antonio Perez Garibay, most commonly just called Papa Perez, is often seen supporting his son in the paddock. Speaking about his son’s success, he told ESTO: “Every morning, he knows that he is on a team that is first place and that the [driver] second is the first loser. Earlier when he finished tenth it was wonderful, but if Checo had had this opportunity from the beginning like other young drivers have already had, he would be world champion several times, I have no doubt.” 

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Moreover, Papa Perez believes in his son’s championship credentials and backs him to stay in the sport for a long time. He said: “And I believe that we have Checo Pérez for the next 10 years and I see him as a world champion.” Currently, at least the Mexican driver’s future looks secure. If he continues performing, he may get a contract extension at Red Bull. 2020, when he had lost his seat with Aston Martin, seems very far away now.

Read More: “Verstappen-Perez is same as Senna-Prost,” Sergio Perez’s father makes shocking comparison, claims Checo is at par with Max

‘Sergio Perez can now walk on Max Verstappen’s pace’

Max Verstappen (L) and Sergio Perez (R)
Max Verstappen (L) and Sergio Perez (R)

Sergio Perez has taken a step forward with each year that he has been Max Verstappen’s teammate. In his first season, he was completely outclassed by his teammate, but in 2022, it was somewhat closer. In 2023, it’s been a lot closer. This is mostly because he’s getting more used to driving a front-running car, and to Red Bull themselves.

Now, Antonio Perez feels that there is only a very small pace difference between the Red Bull teammates. He said: “You have to remember how long Max had been on the team, he had a lot of advantage. Checo, now yes, he can walk at Max’s pace. I still feel that between Max and Checo there are a few thousandths in favor of Max. On difficult tracks I see them very even.”

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix this season was probably Perez’s best victory ever. Not only did he become the first man to win the event twice, he did it in style. Speaking about the changed perception of his son, Perez Garibay said: “The Saturday before Azerbaijan I fell asleep being the father of Checo Pérez and on Sunday I woke up being the father of the ‘king of the streets’, that is the big difference.”

The next race is Imola, and Verstappen has won the previous two editions. The RB teammates have traded wins till yet, and it’s now Perez’s turn to do it again. If he fails, then the gap will grow, and it’ll get harder to catch his teammate. But it’s a long season, and anything can happen. The most important part is making no mistakes, keeping it clean, and maximizing the points.

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