According to Otmar Szafnauer, Sergio Perez remains the optimal choice as Max Verstappen's teammate for the upcoming season. Perez, whose contract with Red Bull concludes this season, confronts an ambiguous future.
Szafnauer, the former principal of teams like Force India, Aston Martin, and Alpine, expressed his preference for Perez, affirming his statement during a recent F1 event in Abu Dhabi. He emphasized Perez's consistent performance this year, suggesting that retaining him for the following season would be prudent.
With an impressive track record of three second-place finishes and one third-place finish in five races, Perez currently holds the second position in the standings. Returning to Miami, where he clinched pole position and finished second to Verstappen last year, Perez's capabilities have been showcased.
Having served seven seasons at Force India/Racing Point before joining Red Bull in 2021, Perez brings a wealth of experience to the team, making him a valuable asset alongside Verstappen.
Acknowledging Verstappen's dominance with 19 wins out of 22 races last year and four wins in five races this season, Szafnauer conceded that Verstappen's talent surpasses Perez's. However, he highlighted Perez's prowess in racecraft, identifying overtaking as his forte.
Despite not excelling in qualifying, Perez's ability to maneuver and manage his tires effectively during races sets him apart. Szafnauer recounted instances where Perez showcased his overtaking skills without compromising on race strategy, making him a formidable competitor on the track.
Looking ahead, drivers like Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso continue to extend their careers, indicating a shift in the age dynamics of Formula One. While Hulkenberg secures future seasons with Sauber and Audi, Hamilton's move to Ferrari at the age of 40 and Alonso's continued presence at Aston Martin at 42 reflect the evolving landscape of the sport. In this context, Perez's consistency and adaptability position him favorably for the challenges that lie ahead in the competitive world of Formula One.
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