Guess who was first to congratulate Sergio Perez on his F1 comeback? None other than Max Verstappen! Dive into the surprising private message that reveals their true colours and the genuine respect between these racing rivals. What does this mean for the upcoming season?
The world of Formula 1 has been buzzing with anticipation following the confirmation of Sergio Perez’s return to the grid, this time with Cadillac. While the news sent ripples through the motorsport community, a truly remarkable detail emerged: a private, heartfelt message from none other than his former Red Bull Racing teammate, Max Verstappen, underscoring a deep-seated respect between the two elite drivers.
Perez, a seasoned competitor at 35, shared insights into the unexpected outreach, revealing that Verstappen was among the very first to congratulate him. This personal gesture highlights the strong bond forged over four seasons spent together at Red Bull, where their shared experiences on the track created a unique camaraderie often unseen in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
Their history together is rich with strategic moments, notably the 2021 campaign where Perez played a pivotal supporting role in Verstappen’s championship victory. His exceptional defensive driving proved instrumental, showcasing the ‘team player’ mentality that earned him admiration from his colleagues and fans alike, a quality that resonated deeply with Verstappen.
Red Bull’s subsequent struggle to find a suitable replacement for Perez this season further underscored his invaluable contribution. The challenges faced by drivers like Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in filling that void only amplified the recognition of Perez’s unique skill set and his significant impact on the team’s dynamics and performance.
Verstappen, 27, did not mince words when discussing his former teammate’s comeback. He openly expressed his surprise and delight at the news, emphasizing the genuine affection and regard he holds for Perez. His prompt message of congratulations was a clear indication of a friendship that transcends the competitive pressures of the sport.
Beyond the initial message, Verstappen publicly endorsed Cadillac’s decision to sign Perez and Valtteri Bottas, hailing it as an “excellent decision.” This strong show of support from one of the sport’s current titans speaks volumes about Perez’s enduring talent and his reputation within the paddock as a formidable and respected competitor.
Addressing questions about Perez regaining his top form, Verstappen offered an optimistic perspective. He stressed that a single season or even half a season does not define a driver’s true capability, highlighting Perez’s prior achievements both before and during his tenure at Red Bull. Verstappen’s belief in Perez’s potential to excel with a fresh start was unwavering.
“It’s a new start, he’ll be excited, and new cars also,” Verstappen stated, encouraging Perez to “just go in there, enjoy it again and have a good time.” This forward-looking advice from the reigning champion not only demonstrates their personal connection but also underscores the supportive ethos that sometimes emerges amidst intense rivalry in motor racing.
