Formula 1 | Zoff at Red Bull: Why Pérez shouldn’t be world champion

The 2023 Formula 1 season has only just begun, but it is already clear that the future world champion will once again come from the Red Bull team. Those responsible guarantee a fair fight between Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. But this cannot and will not exist.

The mood at Red Bull should actually be rosy after the first two races of the Formula 1 season. But she is not. Because, above all, Max Verstappen is what great champions are: very bad losers. And because the 25-year-old “lost” the race in Jeddah in his eyes, he once again defied clear instructions from his superiors.

Both he and Pérez were given lap times towards the end of the race. It was essential to avoid any risk on the way to the one-two – especially given the failure of the Dutchman’s RB19 suffered just 24 hours earlier.

Checo adhered to the requirement, Verstappen did not. In the last lap, the world champion pushed hard on the pedals and got the additional point for the fastest lap. Unnecessary and stupid, judged some, ripped off and world champion, said the other. Above all, it was one thing: A clear signal to Pérez and the team.

Verstappen’s message is clear: I’m not driving for the team and certainly not for my teammates, but solely for myself and the world title. Again: That’s what great champions of Formula 1 do. Michael Schumacher acted no differently, as did Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen and Pérez in the footsteps of Vettel and Webber

As expected, those responsible for Red Bull reacted to Verstappen’s solo effort with the velvet glove. “That was typical of Max in the last lap. He couldn’t be controlled. That’s just how Max is,” adviser Helmut Marko didn’t even try to let discordant noises arise. You can imagine how that was received by Sergio Pérez.

“That clearly annoyed him,” said not only ex-driver Martin Brundle, looking at the Mexican. Timo Glock also said: “Verstappen’s fastest lap will again lead to discussions internally. […] We can expect that there will be friction.” It is obvious which driver Christian Horner and Co. will stick to when the going gets tough.

The current situation at Red Bull is one reminiscent of the times of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Here the young, quick-tempered superstar who embodies the image of the racing team like no other, there the experienced and rather reserved pilot whose time in the team is limited. Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and Co. can, may and will never admit that, but it corresponds to the status quo.

Webber eventually had enough. After the legendary “Multi21” scandal in Malaysia, his collar burst. Before the world public he complained about the preference given to the Heppenheimer. Will Pérez feel the same way? After Saudi Arabia you have to say: it’s possible.

Verstappen for Red Bull more important than Pérez

In the last season, the sporting signs were different. Back then, Red Bull was fighting Ferrari for the title. In 2023, Red Bull Stand only has itself as an opponent. That changed the atmosphere in the team from the first race. In the internal duel, Sergio Pérez cannot hope for special support from those responsible – in contrast to Verstappen.

The Dutchman has long been more than “just” a two-time world champion for Red Bull. The 25-year-old is the future of the racing team and the global flagship of the billion-dollar corporation, which is only too happy to adorn itself with young, dynamic, successful and highly emotional athletes. In many ways, Verstappen’s third world title would be more valuable to Red Bull than Pérez’s first. For the brand and the racing team.

Is there a risk of escalation at Red Bull?

Those responsible do not yet have to worry about an escalation of the dispute between their two pilots, which began last year. At the end of the day, Max Verstappen is athletically superior to his teammate. The difference isn’t as big as it was in the first two years, but it’s still there. And as long as the balance of power is like this, Verstappen will not doubt his third world title for much longer.

If, contrary to expectations, the hat-trick is still in danger and Pérez actually comes close to the World Cup, sooner or later Verstappen will pull out all the stops available to him. This can go beyond ignoring a team order. Nobody should be surprised by this. Because that’s what great champions do every now and then.

Christian Schenzel

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