The 2023 season start hinted at yet another year of Red Bull’s dominance. There couldn’t have been better news for reigning world champion Max Verstappen, but because of that, he has now got an unlikely foe in Sergio Perez, who is now pushing for the title. But at the same time, that could be the end of Perez at Red Bull, claims Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf Schumacher.
Ralf claims the status quo at Red Bull won’t last long, as Verstappen could already be pushing for a new teammate. Meanwhile, the former F1 driver even adds that Perez would have already realized that and would want to give his maximum to give his ultimate shot at the title since this opportunity could be his last.
“It’s difficult, and from my point of view it’s clear that the Verstappen’s side wants a new team-mate,” the Sky Deutschland pundit said as per Speedweek. “I hear these rumours everywhere.”
It isn’t easy to be teammates with Max Verstappen
Ralf further claimed that Verstappen shouldn’t complain about Perez’s rising ambitions. But according to him, Verstappen is the rightful number 1 at Red Bull. However, at the same time, the Dutchman is extremely territorial.
Ralf’s observations further accuse Verstappen of being a difficult teammate. He even confesses that he wouldn’t have ever wanted to be paired with the Dutchman on the same team.
While this title challenge could be Perez’s last dance at Red Bull, Ralf highlights several names Red Bull can choose from to hire the Mexican race driver’s replacement. He says Red Bull can opt to promote Yuki Tsunoda, or three is Daniel Ricciardo, who is back in the fold. Thus, the Milton-Keynes-based team has ample options in the market.
Sergio Perez will have to be like Nico Rosberg
Everybody admits Perez has a mountain to climb against Verstappen. But former F1 driver Anthony Davidson thinks it’s possible if Perez decides to be like Nico Rosberg during the 2016 season.
Rosberg, back then, became a huge thorn in Hamilton’s continued success and managed to clinch one title. Similarly, Davidson claims Perez will have to get into Verstappen’s skin and annoy him.
The six points gap between the two drivers finally propels the media to imagine a title fight between the two Red Bull drivers. Now, the Miami Grand Prix will play a pivotal moment in their ongoing contest.
