Perez Answers How He Prepares For Match-Up Against 'Very Complete' Verstappen

Tuesday, 02 April 2024 at 19:45

Sergio Perez suggested that his triple-world champion teammate, Max Verstappen, has no weaknesses in racing.

As Christian Horner suggested some time ago, being Max Verstappen's teammate is the toughest job in the Formula 1 paddock. In his eight years with the team so far, Verstappen changed four teammates. It might not sound like a lot, but that's an average of two seasons per teammate.

The guy currently holding the job and driving alongside the 26-year-old, Sergio Perez, said that after three years since his first season at Red Bull, he knows why so many drivers have changed seats alongside the Dutchman.

Checo suggested it has to do with the immense pressure to perform, which is tough when compared to Verstappen directly. When asked how he can prepare for the match-up against the Dutchman moving forward, he said:

"Just maximizing myself in all the areas. I think Max is a very complete driver that is very strong in qualifying, very strong in the race. Very rarely has weaknesses or makes mistakes."

Read also

Hill Predicts Verstappen To Be Beaten During Japanese Grand Prix

"He's driving at a very high level. I think when you look back, even in qualifying, the last two qualifying, he's been the only driver that has been able to maximise his full potential come qualifying."

Perez hasn't been able to beat the Dutchman in the Championship standings so far. In fact, he never came closer than 150 away at the end of the season.

Last year was perhaps the most psychologically challenging year in Perez's career, but in 2024, he seems much more relaxed since the start of the season, and he revealed his key to dealing with pressure.

"So I think just focusing on myself, obviously keeping an eye on what he's doing, how he's getting the maximum out of the car.

"At the same time, I think it's just important to focus on myself and get the maximum out of myself. And if I'm able to do that, I know that I'm always going to be very close."