Sergio Perez’s time at Red Bull might be coming to an end soon with recent rumors stating that the team has already decided to part ways with him come 2024. Now, Spanish news outlet Don Balon has questioned Max Verstappen whether he would be up for having a much more competitive teammate, like Fernando Alonso alongside him.
Verstappen has made a name for himself by regularly obliterating his teammates and Perez has been the latest victim. The only teammate who managed to challenge Verstappen in equal cars was Daniel Ricciardo. Since then, Verstappen has had three different teammates. The 26-year-old has comprehensively outperformed all three of them.
💥 Helmut Marko: “Fernando Alonso es el único capaz de acercarse a Max Verstappen”.
👉 “No tenemos alternativas para sustituir a Pérez. De lo contrario, podría tener un problema”.#F1 pic.twitter.com/YQBKNnBQVv
— Fórmula Directa (@FormulaDirecta) October 11, 2023
Recently, Helmut Marko suggested that the only drivers who would be able to match Verstappen in equal machinery are Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. However, whether the Dutchman would like to have a worthy challenger next to him or not, is a completely different question.
Max Verstappen might not want a strong driver like Fernando Alonso as his teammate
After making the move to Aston Martin at the age of 41, Alonso proved that age is no bar for a champion like him. The Spaniard put in some brilliant performances this season and managed to claim seven podium finishes till now.
2023 podium finishers.. so far 👀
Verstappen: 16
Perez: 8
Alonso: 7
Hamilton: 5
Norris: 5
Leclerc: 3
Piastri: 2
Sainz: 2
Ocon: 1
Russell: 1
Gasly: 1 pic.twitter.com/bmVDofckFe— WTF1 (@wtf1official) October 13, 2023
However, even though Aston Martin has helped Alonso reach the podium, Red Bull would surely allow him to challenge for wins. Therefore, it isn’t a doubt that Alonso would love to get a shot at being Verstappen’s teammate, but Don Balon raises the question whether Verstappen would want the same.
The Spanish outlet reports, “If all the stars aligned for this option to exist, the ball would be in Verstappen’s court, who could refuse to have such a strong partner.” That being said, if Perez does get the sack, Red Bull might already have a replacement lined up, and unfortunately for fans of the Spaniard, it is not Alonso.
The possible replacement for Sergio Perez
After making a return to F1 with AlphaTauri, it is understood that Daniel Ricciardo would be Red Bull’s first choice to replace Perez if needed. Keeping the Aussie aside, the likes of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson have a huge opportunity at replacing Perez.
Perez himself might be able to retain the seat as well if he manages to pull up his socks and put in some good performances in the last five race weekends. If he manages to hold on to P2 in the standings then he’d make a good case for getting another chance as Verstappen’s teammate.
