Sergio Perez claims he could ‘shine more’ if he was not partnered by Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez's performances in F1 have been downplayed due to Max Verstappen's incredible results at Red Bull.

Sergio Perez claims he could ‘shine more’ if he was not partnered by Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen (image via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen‘s dominant results have highly overshadowed Sergio Perez‘s performance in recent seasons. The Mexican driver scored a runner-up finish in the 2023 season yet wasn’t applauded for his efforts after a poor start to his campaign. Hence, the 34-year-old reckoned that maybe by not being the Dutchman’s teammate, he could’ve shone more in F1.

Sergio Perez‘s start to the 2024 season has been rather mediocre after bagging a few second-place results. The Mexican driver is yet to win a race due to Red Bull’s recent struggles. However, Max Verstappen has already won five races since the season started. Hence, Perez opened up that being the Dutchman’s teammate was ‘difficult’. Additionally, the 34-year-old felt that he would’ve ‘shone more’ if he weren’t paired up with the reigning world champion.

Of course it is difficult to be Max's stable companion. I am sure that I could shine more if I had another teammate.
Sergio Perez said, as reported by speedweek.com.
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Regardless, Checo was positive over this fact as Verstappen helped him push to his own limits in F1. Perez lauded the Dutchman as the ‘best driver’ who boasted extensive racing skills being in the sport. Additionally, the 26-year-old rarely made mistakes which further helped him score such dominant performances in the pinnacle of motorsport.

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But it's also a great challenge. He is the best driver, his skills are extensive and he rarely makes mistakes.
Sergio Perez noted.

Sergio Perez claims he requires a ‘perfect weekend’ to beat Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez would soon need to start scoring remarkable results to continue in the team. Speaking on being paired with the Dutchman, Checo highlighted that it was good to have such a great driver, as it helped him to set the limits time and again.

It is good to have such a strong driver in the same team, because that drives you to keep setting the limits again and again.
Sergio Perez added.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Apart from this, Perez acknowledged the fact that he was required to score a perfect weekend if he ever wanted a chance to beat Verstappen. Hence, the remainder of the 2024 season will be exciting to see how the Mexican will cope against his overachieving teammate. As things are, Checo might even lose the runner-up spot in the drivers’ championship due to Red Bull’s recent struggles.

I know that I have to get a perfect weekend to have the chance to beat him.
Sergio Perez concluded.

However, Red Bull has provided equal opportunities for both drivers to race around the circuit. Verstappen extracts maximum pace and potential from the struggling RB20 challenger. Perez needs to maintain a consistent performance right behind his teammate to gain more praise. The team will also have to work hard on the current issues with the chassis.

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