2023 F1 Season Top 10 Drivers Report: 2. Sergio Pérez's Performance

Sergio Pérez's performance in the 2023 Formula 1 season showcased his capability as a formidable driver within the Red Bull Racing team. His season was marked by notable highs and some challenging lows, reflecting both his driving skill and the dynamic of competing alongside teammate Max Verstappen.

2023 F1 Season Overview

Key Achievements

Sergio Pérez had a commendable start to the season, finishing on the podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which marked his 27th career podium. He demonstrated his prowess by achieving his second career Pole Position at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and subsequently won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix comfortably ahead of Verstappen, who faced mechanical issues. This victory was Pérez's fifth in his F1 career and his 28th podium finish.

Another highlight was the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Pérez claimed victory a day after winning the Sprint event. This win marked his sixth Grand Prix win and fifth with Red Bull.

Performance in Qualifying

Pérez secured his third career Pole Position at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, benefiting from a red flag in Q3 and a mistake by Verstappen. However, Verstappen clinched the victory in the race, with Pérez finishing behind him to achieve his 30th F1 podium.

Challenges and Lows

After the Miami Grand Prix, Pérez experienced a rough patch, particularly in qualifying. He managed only three podiums in the last seven races of the first half of the season, finishing third at Austria and Hungary and securing a second place in the Red Bull 1-2 at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Comparison to Max Verstappen

Season Results

• Verstappen's Dominance: Verstappen won a remarkable 19 out of 22 races in the 2023 season.
• Pérez's Contribution: Pérez won 2 races (Saudi Arabian and Azerbaijan Grand Prix) and had 4 second-place finishes.
• Points Tally: Verstappen amassed a total of 575 points, while Pérez earned 285 points in the season.

Team Dynamics

The 2023 season solidified Verstappen's status as the lead driver at Red Bull, with his consistent victories and points lead. Pérez played a crucial support role, contributing significantly to the team's overall success. An additional noteworthy achievement for Sergio Pérez in the 2023 Formula 1 season was his role in securing the first 1-2 finish for Red Bull Racing in the F1 drivers' championship. This achievement underscores the strength of Red Bull's team dynamics and the significant contributions of both drivers.

The First 1-2 Finish

Bahrain Grand Prix: The season started with a tremendous display of team strength at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Pérez finished on the podium, contributing to a dominating 1-2 finish for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen taking the win. This race marked Pérez's 27th career podium and set the tone for Red Bull's dominance in the season​​.
This early 1-2 finish was a clear indication of Red Bull's competitive edge and the synergy between Pérez and Verstappen. Such performances not only showcased the individual talents of each driver but also reflected the strategic and technical superiority of the Red Bull team in the 2023 season.

By consistently scoring high points and complementing Verstappen's victories with podium finishes, Pérez played an integral role in bolstering Red Bull's position in both the constructors' and drivers' championships. This achievement at the Bahrain Grand Prix was a significant moment for Pérez and the team, exemplifying their collaborative success and competitive spirit.

Conclusion

Sergio Pérez's 2023 Formula 1 season, while filled with commendable achievements, also included moments that tested his resilience and mental fortitude, particularly in the face of intense competition and the overshadowing presence of his teammate, Max Verstappen.

Key Challenges

Overshadowed by Verstappen: Throughout the season, Verstappen's dominance was a constant backdrop to Pérez's own performance. With Verstappen securing 19 wins out of 22 races, Pérez often found himself in a secondary role, despite his significant contributions and victories​​​​.

Mental Resilience: The pressure to match up to Verstappen's results demanded considerable mental strength from Pérez. This was notably evident during his struggles in qualifying and in races where he couldn't maintain the top positions, which likely had a profound impact on his confidence and approach to racing​​.

Crucial Overtakes in Final Laps:

Brazilian Grand Prix: A particularly disheartening moment for Pérez was during the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he was overtaken in the final lap by Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso. This overtake not only cost Pérez a higher finishing position but also was a stark reminder of the relentless competitiveness of Formula 1.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: Similarly, in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pérez experienced a crucial overtake in the final lap by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Such moments, especially in the closing stages of a race, can be mentally challenging and impact a driver's morale.

Reflecting on Pérez's Season

Despite these challenges, Pérez's journey in the 2023 season was a display of his skill and determination as a Formula 1 driver. His ability to secure victories in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, and contribute to Red Bull's overall success, was commendable.

In conclusion, Pérez's season was a complex blend of highs and lows. His mental resilience in the face of internal team dynamics, external competition, and the pressure of living up to high expectations highlights his character and commitment as a top-tier driver. Pérez's experiences in 2023, including the overtakes by Alonso and Leclerc, add to his narrative as a driver who faced considerable challenges but remained a vital contributor to his team's success.

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