We saw the embodiment of Formula 1’s ruthlessness and individualism at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. We are of course talking about the infamous incident between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. It was an incident that might hamper the team’s joint effort in the upcoming F1 championship season.

There was a feeling Verstappen did not let his teammate pass him in Brazil because of incidents in Monaco. However, if that was the case, Red Bull should’ve resolved the issue and not let it fester. This delayed reaction from Verstappen has definitely put a crack in his relationship with Sergio Perez. A relationship that Sky Sports F1 experts believe will not be repaired soon.

Speaking in Sky Sports’ F1 2022 season review David Croft and Karun Chandhok delivered their verdict on the relationship. David Croft said: “There has to be trust issues there. You need to be able to trust your team and, as a driver, trust your team-mate. And in the back of your mind, I don’t care who you are, you’re thinking, ‘will they do that again? I don’t see how it gets repaired.”

Chandhok, on the other hand, used his personal insight to deliver his take on the situation. “I, putting my driver hat on can tell you, I still remember drivers who have blocked me on a qualifying lap in 2007,” said Chandhok. “I think we’ll only find out the true damage done by Brazil next year.”

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Only when Perez is asked to help Verstappen, will we see the true extent of the damage done by Brazil. This a daunting thought for Red Bull. There is sure to be a power struggle between the two and there’s only one solution for Perez.

Sergio Perez needs to do better against Max Verstappen to fight for his place in the Red Bull hierarchy

The Mexican will have to fight for his respect in the Red Bull garage, according to Chandhok. However, it will be an uphill battle for Perez as he has out-qualified Verstappen on only three street tracks.

“Ultimately though, Checo has got to lift his game. He’s got to lift his game if he’s going to be in a position to fight,” believes the ex-f1-driver-turned-pundit.

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It will be exciting to see how Perez responds to team orders in 2023. A lot of drama coming our way in 2023.