Sergio Perez has had a miserable 2023 season so far as he finds himself a whopping 177 points behind Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in the championship. Moreover, the Dutchman also has the opportunity to end the Mexican’s misery at the Qatar Grand Prix sprint, as a sixth-place finish for him will seal the Drivers’ Championship. Even though Verstappen has established complete dominance, Perez’s father, Antonio Perez Garibay, believes that his son has no option but to stay at Red Bull.
In his most recent interview with Mexican sports platform Esto, Antonio explained how Red Bull have built their team around Verstappen. Despite the same, the 64-year-old believes that his son cannot leave Red Bull as the Milton Keynes outfit are the fastest team at the moment.
Antonio Perez Garibay believes Sergio Perez needs to be content with second
Since the entire focus at Red Bull has always been on Max Verstappen, Antonio Perez Garibay believes that his son needs to be content with playing second fiddle to the Dutchman. In his most recent interview with Esto, Antonio explained why his son is struggling this season and how Red Bull have made the car as per Verstappen’s strengths.
“My son has been a constant for years. It is not by chance that he is the only Latin American in Formula 1. I admit that he will have trouble with the car in 2023. But Verstappen drives differently. Max loves to feel a lot of grip on the front axle and this year’s car conveys that, while Checo needs to feel the rear well to be fast,” explained Antonio (as quoted by speedweek.com).
Well done @redbullracing ! Back-to-back champions for the second year.
¡Bien hecho @redbullracing ! Campeones por segundo año consecutivo.#SP11 pic.twitter.com/ZL0qmi6kuZ
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) September 24, 2023
The 64-year-old then added that the sole reason Red Bull hired his son in the first place was to play second fiddle to Verstappen. Antonio said that since there can only be one champion, his son knows that and is content in finishing behind the 25-year-old at all times.
Antonio then concluded his remarks by explaining that his son cannot change teams despite this brutal reality as then he would find himself only the fourth or fifth-fastest. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez also believes that it is a curse for anyone to be Verstappen’s teammate because of how strong the 25-year-old is as a competitor.
Perez explains why it is so difficult to be Verstappen’s teammate
While Antonio Perez Garibay has explained why his son can never be at Max Verstappen’s level because of the way Red Bull has produced their car, Sergio Perez has nothing but respect for the Dutchman. In an interview with Viaplay Netherlands, the 33-year-old explained why it is so difficult for him to compete with Verstappen.
“It is very difficult, of course, to have Max as a teammate. But I don’t think we should take anything away from the talent that he is, how hard he works, how he delivers, how focused he is. He is just a great driver. It’s great to have him as a teammate. He pushes to the maximum. It creates a lot of pressure“, explained Perez.
While the Mexican has undoubtedly had his share of struggles this season, he has yet done enough to secure himself a seat with Red Bull for 2024. The former Racing Point driver will now hope to put in more consistent performances and impress his bosses to have his future secure at Red Bull for even the 2025 season and beyond.
