Mark Hughes: “Max Verstappen Should Thank Sergio Perez for French GP Win”

Mark Hughes: “Max Verstappen Should Thank Sergio Perez for French GP Win”

Sergio Perez

Before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Sergio Perez was extensively criticised for not being able to live up to his hype at Red Bull. Yet in Baku, he constantly managed to let Max Verstappen take the lead over Lewis Hamilton by holding the latter off. Subsequently in the French Grand Prix, it was Perez who kept the pressure on Valtteri Bottas to help Verstappen. 

If it wasn’t for Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen would have had a hard-time in challenging the Mercedes duo. Not only that Perez was the hero for Red Bull in Baku as well, when he single handedly fetched the maximum points to strengthen their claim in the Driver’s Standings. Even when Verstappen saw his way out of the race due to unfortunate tyre blowout. 

What Did Mark Hughes Opinionate Upon Sergio Perez?

Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez

The Mexican driver has been criticised for his consistency in recent months, but showed his worth in France. “This is where Perez’s presence was fundamental to Mercedes’ actions,” he tells on the official website of Formula 1. “They were reluctant to try for a repeat of Hungary 2020 or Barcelona ’21 where they had pitted Hamilton from behind and he’d been able to use his new tyres to catch and pass Verstappen before the end.” 

Sergio Perez urged by Helmut Marko to beat Valtteri Bottas 1
Sergio Perez

Eventually after Verstappen made his move past Valtteri Bottas, he was always on the better side to overtake Hamilton as well with fresher medium tyres as compared to Hamilton’s hard tyres which were rugged for 34 laps straight. In the end, Perez too got his reward as his slick move past Bottas ensured that the Mexican does end up on the podium.

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