Perez Feels the Heat: Is the Pressure of Red Bull Getting to Him?
Oct.2 - Sergio Perez says being Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull is perhaps the toughest job in all of Formula 1.
Although the Mexican has a contract for 2024, he is feeling the burn of the global media's spotlight as numerous pundits forecast his eventual demise.
"Even though he can look at Max's data, he is unable to improve and close the gap," former F1 driver Christijan Albers told De Telegraaf newspaper.
"The gap is in fact only increasing. At some point they'll see 'It's impossible to keep justifying this'. The story will have to end somewhere.
"If you see how destructive (Christian) Horner and (Helmut) Marko were towards (Nyck) de Vries, it actually amazes me that they continue to keep Perez," Albers added.
According to Marca sports newspaper, Perez admitted at a Ford event in Mexico that he has felt the pressure lately.
"When something like this happens at Red Bull, you immediately have 300 media channels telling you that you have to leave," he said.
"I have the feeling that being Mexican also has a lot to do with it. We saw with (George) Russell when he crashed from third place on the last lap (in Singapore), but nobody was saying that he had to leave."
Russell's teammate at Mercedes is the seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton, but Perez clearly thinks sharing a team with Verstappen is even tougher.
"He manages to get more out of the car and also does it every weekend. That's certainly something I admire about him," Perez told De Limburger newspaper.
"Max performs at the top of his abilities always and everywhere. I think that's the most special thing about him.
"He is also a hard worker who understands very well why he is successful. If something goes wrong, he immediately knows why," Perez added.
"It takes time to get used to that, and the past has proven that it is not an easy task to be Max Verstappen's teammate. There are few drivers who can handle that pressure.
"I sometimes call it the toughest job in Formula 1," he said.
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"I have the feeling that being Mexican also has a lot to do with it. We saw with (George) Russell when he crashed from third place on the last lap (in Singapore), but nobody was saying that he had to leave."
What a red herring that statement is! George was in front of Louise at the time, something that Perez can't ever say about being in front of his team mate! Playing the race card is an attempt to divert attention away from his own failings! Shows Perez as a loser!
Perez should learn to withhold from damaging comments. Obviously he doesn't realise how he is undermining his own position. First of all overstating his competence at the beginning of the year and lately referring to discriminatory factors, using examples which imply that he does not really understand the situation. It's such a pity, he should be happy with his position and make the best of it as possible. Don't try to race Verstappen but race Perez and try to improve.
WOW! In todays world, even in a meritocracy, the first thing you scream when your ability is questioned is racism is the cause of my failure not my own lack of talent. The demand for racism in todays world far outweighs the supply. In a meritocracy you either have the skills and talent to shine or you dont. To try and claim racism within the team is holding you down is BS. If racism was the reason, Perez would have never been in the seat in the first place.
Poor choice by Checo to play the Mexican card. Fact is, the current focus at RB on VER's success, and his obvious talent, leave no room for an equal #2. In my memory, over the years, McL is the only team to equally support two talented drivers.....and let them race.
Reminiscent of "I dont know , may its because Im black?"
Reminiscent of "I dont know , maybe its because Im black?"
Stroppy, didn’t realise you were black! No wonder you’re a Lulu fan girl 💩 or are you really Ali G?
I’ m confused🤓
Is that your opinion or the KKK's whose anti LH rubbish you peddle
We can always rely on your comments for vitriol and maliciousness. You must thrive on a diet of lemons to make you so sour!