Ricciardo, Gasly Ignored as Red Bull Crown Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s Best F1 Teammate

By extending the contract of Sergio Perez till 2024, there is a sense of stability in Red Bull. The Mexican will partner with F1 world champion Max Verstappen for two more seasons. Red Bull Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan mentioned the team is very happy with Perez.

Checo did not have the easiest of starts to his Red Bull career in 2021 as he struggled to match Verstappen‘s speed. But in the 2022 season, he has been performing very close to the level of his world champion teammate.

Is Perez the best teammate Max Verstappen has had?

Since the departure of Daniel Ricciardo from the team at the end of the 2018 season, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon failed to compete at the level of Verstappen. It was popularly quoted that the second seat at the team is cursed, as no one could challenge the Dutch driver. But this season Checo has performed really well to be on the level of his famed teammate.

“Checo is driving extremely well this year, and while he doesn’t always like the car, it’s one he can drive. And the likes and dislikes, that’s typical ups and downs that you see between teammates,” said Monaghan.

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“Regarding last year’s car, it’s important to remember that we were coming to the end of a period in which we had been developing together with Max. And then Checo came into the car and as Max’s teammates, we couldn’t have asked for anything better, right?” said the Red Bull engineer.

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Ricciardo reveals why he regards his former teammate highly

The Aussie driver is arguably the most competitive teammate Verstappen has had in his time in F1. He also recognized that the Dutch driver stands out among his other teammates in F1.

“When I think of my teammates, Max comes out first. He’s the first that comes to mind because he’s the longest teammate I’ve had in Formula 1. We pushed each other, sometimes for better or for worse. And whether it was heated rivalry or respectful intensity, we brought out the best in each other. We both enjoyed it,” said Daniel.

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It would be interesting to hear from Verstappen who he considers his best teammate in F1.

Do you think Perez can challenge Verstappen for the World Drivers’ Championship and form a new rivalry with the Dutchman?