20 June 2023 , 07:46
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Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are the only two drivers who can challenge Max Verstappen for the Formula One title - not Sergio Perez.
Verstappen won the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, his fourth consecutive victory in F1. The two-time world champion is now 69 points clear of fellow Red Bull driver Perez at the top of the Drivers' Championship and poised to win another title.
Once again, the Red Bull is clearly the fastest car in F1 and Perez might be the only realistic candidate who can challenge Verstappen for his crown. Yet Brundle does not believe the Mexican is "delivering his speed and potential" in his rapid car.
Despite Perez's lack of pace, Brundle thinks Red Bull chiefs will be happy with their No.2 driver - for now - because they do not want him to knock Verstappen off his perch. The pundit is concerned that would cause "volatility in their team" for Red Bull.
Brundle made the claim in his review of the Canadian GP for Sky Sports. He said: "Perez will need all his maturity and experience, along with team and family support, to turn his head around and start delivering his speed and potential.
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"I suspect only Alonso and Hamilton would have the head to cope with Verstappen at this moment and I doubt Red Bull would want that volatility in their team. The team's perfect scenario would be Sergio to finish a close second to Max every race, and win when Max can't."
Sergio Perez needs to keep delivering for Red Bull (Getty Images)Do you think anyone can stop Max Verstappen this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Red Bull have won every race this year, with Verstappen winning in Bahrain, Australia, Miami, Monaco, Spain and Canada. Perez's victories came in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Verstappen's triumph in Montreal was historic for two reasons. Firstly, it was his 41st win in F1 - equalling the great Ayrton Senna's tally. Secondly, it was Red Bull's 100th victory - a superb achievement considering the team was founded just 18 years ago.
Although Hamilton's Mercedes and Alonso's Aston Martin are still struggling to compete with the Red Bull, Brundle believes the two teams are making progress. He has warned Perez he must maintain second spot in the title race to keep his coveted seat.
Red Bull have ruthlessly cut talented young, talented drivers - such as Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon - for failing to secure victories when Verstappen fails. Perez finished fourth and third in the Drivers' Championship during his first two seasons with Red Bull.
Brundle added: "Fine young drivers get buried alongside the Dutchman's [Verstappen's] speed. At the same time, Red Bull can't have Perez off form when Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin inevitably home in on them. That's why they'll support him all the way."
At 33, Perez is one of the most experienced drivers in F1. He's been racing in the competition since 2011 and still has 18 months remaining on his Red Bull contract. Yet team principal Christian Horner will not be afraid to cut Perez if he fails to deliver.