Red Bull are the only hope for Formula 1 fans right now. This is precisely because the Milton-Keynes-based outfit is a country mile ahead of its closest rivals. Hence, any hope of a championship battle will be in the hands of the dominant team. In the past, however, the team didn’t really have two strong drivers. That’s why Max Verstappen ran away with all the accolades. But in 2023, Sergio Perez plans to change the status quo.

During today’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez built up a commanding lead against Verstappen. He then went on to win the race as well, finally announcing his arrival at the championship battlefield. However, while he basked in glory, there was trouble brewing in the Red Bull garage.

Sergio Perez’s spine-chilling Red Bull & Max Verstappen warning

After the race today, team principal Christian Horner insinuated that Perez had “gotten lucky” during the Safety Car period. But the Mexican would believe there to be no luck, only skill and determination involved in today’s victory. This gives a better context of Perez’s following words.

He told El Mundo, “I’m here to be champion. That’s my goal. Maintaining a good relationship with the team is important, but there will be a time when I will think of myself. To be perfect. Against him, I can’t leave anything on the table. Max always maximizes the potential of the car, so if I go to 99.99%, it will not be enough.”

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And while Perez may have signaled his championship intentions today, he also has another ace up his sleeve.

Sergio Perez’s championship to be decided by Pirelli

One thing that Perez is revered in Formula 1 for is tire saving. He’s been dubbed to have the best tire management skills in the whole F1 grid. However, after suffering in this department last year, Perez has proven himself a wily old fox.

In the same interview, Perez divulged, “I have to be at my best level in all the races. Last year it was difficult for me to understand the degradation with these new generation tires and now I have it well.”

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Can Sergio Perez defy all the odds to dethrone Max Verstappen at Red Bull?