Sergio Perez’s uncomfortable reality check surfaced recently when Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, broke down the data showing the performance gap between Perez and teammate Max Verstappen.
Paul Monaghan’s analysis reveals that Verstappen’s marginal gains in each corner accumulate to a half-second advantage per lap over Perez. As Verstappen maintains his edge, Perez finds himself slipping further behind, now trailing Verstappen by 137 points in the Drivers’ Championship this season.
Monaghan’s candid remarks on the ‘Beyond the Grid’ podcast highlighted that Verstappen’s speed is not just a gut feeling but supported by data. He mentioned that even the smallest improvements in each corner can add up to make a significant difference, describing the performance disparity as ‘minute yet impactful.’
Despite Perez potentially being upset by these findings, Monaghan insists that Verstappen’s slight edge is undeniable, adding that such observations aren’t meant to disrespect Perez. However, these insights might not be welcomed by Perez, who has faced increasing scrutiny due to his recent dip in form.
Interestingly, Monaghan also pointed out that Perez does play a crucial role in keeping Verstappen honest, similar to previous teammate Alex Albon. In competitive scenarios, like the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, other drivers have shown they can challenge Verstappen, yet he consistently places himself in favorable positions on the track.
As Verstappen aims to match Vettel’s four consecutive titles, he continues to lead the 2024 Drivers’ Championship comfortably. Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on Perez, who must address these performance gaps if he wishes to remain competitive against his formidable teammate.
While the data might paint a challenging picture for Perez, it underscores the need for him to close the performance gap with Verstappen. The relentless pursuit for perfection in F1 leaves little room for complacency, and Perez needs to adapt quickly to maintain his standing within Red Bull and the larger racing community.
