Despite being in the same car as Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez hasn’t been able to keep up with him throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season. Verstappen has been performing exceptionally well in the first 12 races, winning 10 out of them with eight consecutive wins. The difference between Perez and Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship has now widened to 125 points.
Sergio Perez shared that he thinks his accident during the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying has hindered his performance this season. He mentioned that it took him a while to regain his complete confidence in the vehicle.
Perez reveals key moment that set him back this season
Following his loss to Max Verstappen at the Miami Grand Prix, Perez arrived in Monaco. Despite starting from pole position, the Mexican driver was overtaken by his teammate, who began the race in ninth place, and ended up winning with a comfortable five-second lead. This widened the gap between the two teammates to 14 points.
As of today, the gap has increased to 125 points, and according to Christian Horner, Perez has very little chance of winning the World title unless a disaster occurs for Verstappen.
And Sergio thinks the reason for the decline of his performance is the crash at qualifying in Monte Carlo. During the Q1 race on that Saturday, Perez experienced an accident while taking his second lap. While turning into Sainte Devote, he lost control of his RB19 and crashed into the barriers, causing significant damage to the left side of his car.
Despite being an experienced 33-year-old driver, Perez was surprised by the incident, stating that the rear of his car got out of shape, catching him off guard, particularly since it happened so late into the corner.
“I think what happened in Monaco probably brought me a step back and has taken me some time to fully trust the car the way I was [driving] it.
“Then you add the external factor with changeable conditions and then there is a bit more of a discrepancy.”
Christian Horner hails Sergio Perez despite big Max Verstappen difference
Verstappen has a history of outclassing his teammates since he joined Red Bull, with Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly both struggling in the past to match his results. And it’s been no different for Perez; Max has gained a whopping 125-point lead over him. According to Planet F1, Team principal Christian Horner said that one shouldn’t be quick to judge Max’s teammate as he has outdone himself in the last 2 years for the team.
Christian said: “Being Max’s teammate is never going to be an easy year. I think Checo has actually done very well the last two and a half years to achieve and do what he’s done.”
“That takes great mental resilience because not only has he got that data, he’s staring down the barrel, he’s got you guys [journalists] every weekend giving him grief saying ‘Why are you not at your teammate’s level?'”
He acknowledged Sergio’s performance further by saying that despite no one can match Max’s level, Sergio holds a strong second place, with a lead of 40 points over third place. He has achieved a one-two finish in a few Grand Prix races and secured second place in at least four others.
What are your thoughts on the Monaco crash? Also, share your opinions on Christian Horner defending Sergio in the comment section below.
