Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez title fight 'the new edition of Senna vs Prost'

20 May 2023 , 10:38

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The rivalry between Ayrton Senna (left) and Alain Prost remains iconic (Image: Getty Images)

This year's title fight between Max Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez has the potential to rival some of the best in Formula 1 history, claims the latter's father.

Red Bull look unlikely to face any challengers in the constructors' championship this season after a remarkably dominant start. Having won all five races so far, their 122-point lead at the top of those standings only looks likely to grow in the coming weeks.

No-one is anywhere near the Red Bull drivers in the other title race, either. But Perez has at least been able to keep his team-mate honest so far with two wins compared to Verstappen's three – placing the Mexican only 14 points behind the defending champion.

It remains to be seen whether Perez will be able to match his team-mate over the course of a full season. But his father certainly believes that it's possible – and even thinks the battle for the title could match one of the most iconic in F1 history.

"For me, this is the new edition of Senna and Prost at McLaren," Antonio Perez Garibay told Mexican newspaper Por Esto, as reported by Speedweek. He went on to compare the Red Bull racers to jungle animals fighting tooth and nail to get the better of one another.

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Perez Snr added: "We have two tigers in the same cage. They think alike, they act alike. They try to snatch the point for the fastest lap from each other, because every point counts in this world championship. Not only do they chase every pole position, they also want to be one step ahead in every free practice session."

Sergio Perez hopes to rival Max Verstappen for the F1 title this year (Getty Images)

The Mexican went on to concede that Verstappen has an advantage in the title race, but declared his son to be capable of rising to the challenge this year. He said: "Max has been in the racing team longer, so it's obvious that many people see him as the team leader. But Checo can keep up with Verstappen.

"It's all about nuances in favour of Max. But on difficult circuits, the two are on an equal footing. My son has changed. What he says and how he behaves is different, he shows a lot more self-confidence. He used to be happy for points.

"It took a long time before he got a competitive car. If this chance had come earlier, Checo would already be world champion, I'm quite sure of that. And he still has 10 years to go to win the title."

Daniel Moxon