“Beating Max Verstappen is a Different Story”: Felipe Massa Urges Sergio Perez To Enjoy his Races

Sergio Perez Red Bull

After a slow star in the 2021 Formula 1 season, it seemed like Mexican ace driver, Sergio Perez has finally found his rthym after securing the win at Imola. But in 14 grand prix, he has only managed to register himself on the podium twice. Not only that, but there have been occasions when race fans have criticized the Mexican for not being able to support his teammate. Now, former F1 brazilian driver, Felipe Massa feels that he needs to have more fun on the race track.

Talking about the facts and standings, Sergio Perez has been no way near his teammate Max Verstappen throughout the 2021 season. Sergio Perez is undoubtedly fighting to secure the third spot in the world championship and sits in the table with 118 points. He is 23-point behind Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas.

Felipe Massa on Sergio Perez

“Maybe it has to do with concentration, I don’t know, but it is true that if you have a strong teammate, you have to be strong,” the former Brazilian F1 driver, Felipe Massa told the Dutch branch of Motorsport.com. Massa thinks Perez needs to relax more, think less and enjoy the race.

FS Video

“Sometimes you have to be happy and have fun to do your job optimally. Sergio has certainly had a harder time in recent races. He’s maybe a tenth or eight slower than Max,” observed the 2008 vice-world champion. “But he could definitely be closer to it. He would be two or three tenths behind if he just enjoys it a bit more. Sometimes these things take some time, but I really hope he can get to that level soon.”

Felipe Massa concluded, “We see him performing very well in the races as well, it’s just that sometimes he doesn’t start from the best position, which makes things a bit more difficult. But he can do better and has the talent to be much closer to Max. Beating Max is another story, it’s not going to happen. But he can do a great job when it comes to scoring points and driving fast lap times.”