Max Verstappen Welcomes New Teammate, Declares: “Sergio Pérez Is Not at My Level”.
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, fresh off his dominant third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, has stirred up headlines with his candid remarks about his outgoing teammate, Sergio Pérez. The Dutchman, known for his unapologetic confidence, acknowledged the addition of a new teammate for the upcoming season and wasted no time expressing his belief that Pérez had fallen short of his lofty standards.
Speaking at a press event, Verstappen was blunt: “Sergio is a great driver, but we have to be realistic. He’s not at my level.” The statement comes after a season where Verstappen secured a record-breaking 19 wins, while Pérez struggled with inconsistency and failed to provide a sustained challenge.
The identity of Verstappen’s new partner has yet to be officially revealed, but speculation is rife about a younger driver with the potential to push Verstappen further. This move by Red Bull underscores the team’s focus on maintaining their dominance while addressing Pérez’s inability to match Verstappen’s pace in qualifying and races.
Despite the criticism, Pérez leaves Red Bull with multiple wins and a runner-up finish in the Drivers’ Championship to his name. Many believe the Mexican driver’s contributions in supporting Verstappen during the team’s title fights have been invaluable.
As Verstappen prepares for another season with his eyes on more records, his comments have sparked a fresh wave of debate about his approach to teammates. While some admire his uncompromising attitude, others see his remarks as unnecessary and disrespectful to Pérez’s achievements.
Regardless of the controversy, Verstappen and Red Bull appear focused on the future, determined to extend their reign at the top of Formula 1. With a new driver in the mix, the dynamics within the team promise to be a key storyline in the 2025 season.