Sergio Perez: « If I don’t receive support when I need it, I won’t give it either. »
2023 hasn't even started, and Sergio Perez has already issued a warning to Red Bull and his double world champion teammate, Max Verstappen.
2021: an idyllic affair
After Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon’s difficult stints, this second seat was thus passed on to the Mexican in 2021. And it is safe to say that Sergio Perez has proven himself to be a valuable ally for his teammate.
In particular, during the final in Abu Dhabi where he became a legend, holding back Lewis Hamilton who was in contention for the title against Verstappen, and allowing the latter to close a gap of almost nine seconds in just one lap.
The rest, we know it, with the first victory of the Dutchman, who after the race was full of praise for his teammate.
2022: first crisis.
Last season, however, was not of the same tone. Verstappen did not have the support of Perez to go after a second crown. In fact, this time it was the driver of car number eleven who needed assistance to secure second place in the driver standings.
“In particular, during the São Paulo Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen openly refused to help his teammate by declaring on the team radio:”
« I already told you guys last summer. Don’t ask me that again, okay? Is that clear? I gave my reasons and I’m sticking to them. »
After the race, an upset Sergio Perez had stated that it showed who he really was, before going back into line.
2023: Career in jeopardy?
However, before the first Grand Prix of the 2023 season starts, it seems that Perez no longer sees it the same way: according to him, it should now be a quid pro quo.
« It is always important to work as a team and obviously if I see that I’m not receiving support when I need it, I won’t give it either, » the 33-year-old driver affirmed to Fox Sports Mexico.
I think we are very clear on what is crucial, it will be a very intense season, surely with six cars competing for the championship, so it will be very important to work as a team in many races.
It remains that if Sergio Perez no longer plays by the team’s rules, there is a strong possibility that his position will be in jeopardy and, consequently, his career as well.
