Max Verstappen has been dominating the season but he has been ruthless when it comes to winning. The Dutchman has shown his competitiveness quite a few times as he battled on the tracks with some F1 greats.
He has built everything that he has with the pace, skills, and hunger that he has in him. However, Red Bull seems to be making it clear that a great driver needs a great second driver. And it seems Sergio Perez is no longer cutting out for that job.
Nicole Pinkham, an F1 journalist talked about how Perez may need to be carried by his world champion teammate. However, Verstappen has denied helping Perez to be a runner-up multiple times before. It is only natural that the champion may not want to give away race wins to help Perez. Pinkham said,
“I think the whole point of why Red Bull has been so dominant this season and Max, there’s a ruthless streak in both Max and Christian Horner. They’re hugely competitive people, they’re meticulous, they’re thorough, they have an incredible work ethic but crucially, there is that ruthless streak, which winners need and it isn’t about having empathy for who finishes second.”
Just a reminder that Max Verstappen can win his 3rd World Championship this week 🏆
All he needs to do is finish inside the top 6 during Saturday’s Sprint Race in Qatar 🏁 pic.twitter.com/BCG6ZvQpoB
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) October 2, 2023
The journalist quickly wittingly asked the right question. And it is “What is in it for Max?” The driver sure can carry his teammate to get the team to better scores, however, it may be disadvantageous for him. Verstappen has a lack of empathy which also makes him a great champion.
Sergio Perez leans on P2 to keep RB seat alongside Max Verstappen for 2024
Sergio Perez has been struggling to hold his place next to Max Verstappen. Although the Mexican is second in the standings, it seems he may have to do more than being a runner-up to stay at Red Bull for the entire 2024 season.
The driver not only has to prove he should stay for the entire season but also worry about Daniel Ricciardo who is said to be in talks of being a suitable second driver for Red Bull.
Tom Clarkson, the presenter of Beyond the Grid believes the second place is a huge thing for Perez. However, he also said, “Quite frankly, I think his future at Red Bull might even depend on that second place.”
His contract clearly states that if he manages to hold second place to Max Verstappen, his contract for 2024 will be safe. However, with the recent performance, Lewis Hamilton has only come closer to Perez.
A collision with Magnussen, a retirement, a return, a penalty served, and another retirement
Sergio Perez had a stop-start-stop race at Suzuka #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/xsxT7t7wlf
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 25, 2023
After his horrible stunt to serve his punishment, the driver was seen retiring from the same race twice. His daily mishaps for Red Bull have been plenty. And with the new addition to his poor performances, it seems things may take time to work out for him. Nonetheless, for Max Verstappen things are great. The driver is on to win his third title soon. With just having to win a few points at the Sprint race, Verstappen will have his title in his hand.
