September 7th, 2023 11:52 am
Watch every practice, qualifying and race of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship live and ad-break free in racing on Kayo Sports.His last win, in Azerbaijan in April, put him six points behind Verstappen in the title standings. The Dutchman has won all 10 races since then to blow out the margin to an almost insurmountable 145 points with eight races remaining.
What is clear is that after considering himself a championship contender early in the year, Pérez has accepted that Verstappen is unreachable in the sizzling form the Dutchman has enjoyed this season.“He’s driving at a level that I haven’t seen in F1 since I’ve been here. He doesn’t make mistakes and, in truth, he goes to the limit all the time.”
Red Bull Racing has denied that there’s any conspiracy to boost Verstappen’s performances at Pérez’s expense, and there’s little reason to think the team would nobble one of its own drivers to the point it would risk finishing one-two in the drivers championship for the first time in its history. “On the one hand the seat in Red Bull is one of the most wanted, but on the other hand you also have Max Verstappen as an opponent,” Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko told ServusTV.
Having been pummelled by Verstappen for three seasons, he’s unlikely to get a look-in at another championship contending team in 2024 or 2025. Lawson has so far impressed in his two races substituting for Ricciardo, and with Daniel unlikely to return until the Qatar Grand Prix, the Kiwi will probably get two more weekends to make his case.
“He has shown he is good enough to compete in Formula 1 and now he needs to confirm this progression in the coming races.” The risk-reward proposition of stepping into Verstappen’s team may also be less attractive if McLaren continues its trajectory towards becoming a victory contender.Oscar Piastri is on a two-year deal expiring at the end of next year. The Aussie is managed by compatriot Mark Webber, who has obvious ties back to Red Bull.