This year, Sergio Perez has struggled as much as Max Verstappen has dominated when driving the RB19. Despite being P2 in the driver’s standings, Perez’s performances have drawn consistent criticism. As the Mexican continues to slump, Lewis Hamilton is on a steady path to overtake him in the driver’s standing before the season ends. As such, Krone Zeitung reports Marko Helmut’s words of warning aimed towards Perez as the Qatar GP draws close.
Having started the season off on a strong foot, Perez won two of the first four races and asserted the equal dominance of both RB19s on the track. However, subsequent race performances have been far from consistent, which has given way to Hamilton to close the gap to just 33 points with six races to go. Should Perez lose out on P2, it would be a major question over his driving ability, especially since he is at the steering wheel of the fastest car on the grid. Certain experts believe that if Hamilton overtakes Perez in the driver’s standings, it will be the end of his racing days with Red Bull, despite Horner insisting otherwise.
Helmut Marko lets Sergio Perez know the responsibility riding on his shoulders
Perez’s performances have been under the microscope for long, especially given how far ahead Verstappen is, even though they both drive the same car. Despite this, Red Bull’s top personnel have shown consistent faith in the 33-year-old in hopes of a turnaround by Perez. Having failed to achieve the feat so far, Kronen Zeitung quotes Marko’s words about Hamilton that should be taken as a sign of warning by Perez.
“We have to defend second place in the world championship, unfortunately, Lewis Hamilton is getting closer.”
Another cause for concern for Perez is Marko’s statement about Verstappen’s teammates and how they all fall apart. Talking about the Dutchman’s complexity, Marko said he was a different beast, and only older drivers such as Alonso or Hamilton could stand alongside him in the same team.
Hamilton believes he would’ve done a much better job if he had Perez’s seat
It seems Perez has become a common target for everyone involved in F1. As arguments between experts rage on over his driving cred, many question his future at Red Bull. Even the drivers have become a part of the ‘target practice’ as Hamilton once took a jibe at Perez’s performances in the RB19. Following the Belgian Grand Prix, Marca reported Hamilton’s claims of being able to do a much better job than Perez if he had the RB19.
Lewis Hamilton has outscored Sergio Perez at 6 of 11 race weekends since the Miami GP. He’s also outscored Checo 42-34 since the summer break.
Lewis currently trails Checo by 33 points for P2 in the driver’s championship. Talk about really maximizing the W14. pic.twitter.com/H4Mqu7jDGC
— Dan’s DRS Zone (@F1GuyDan) October 5, 2023
“If I was in Sergio’s [Perez] car, Max [Verstappen] would not be having the same time he’s having right now.” As things stand, Hamilton might not be wrong about his claims. Despite having no wins and only five podiums, the 38-year-old sits in P3 in the driver’s standings. He is only 33 points behind Perez, who has two wins and eight podiums so far. As such, the pressure is on Perez to save his P2 standing and also his Red Bull seat.
