So King of the Street, Perez Still Needs Improvement to Challenge Verstappen

Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has been given the new nickname King of the Road after his double success in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he won the Sprint Race and his main race on the city’s street circuit.

But he still has to improve his game in all sectors to become a real threat to his teammate at Red Bull, Max Verstappen.

Red Bull are now at the forefront of the Formula 1 battle, with their two drivers each winning two grands prix after four of 23 rounds and there is no sign of the other drivers coming close.

Two-time world champion Verstappen left Azerbaijan on Sunday six points clear at the top and there was nothing in his demeanor to suggest he was the least bit worried about the 33-year-old Perez’s challenge.

The Mexican driver can claim to have won more races than Verstappen in 2023, including Saturday’s sprint in Baku, but scored a 15-2 lead to his Dutch teammate last season.

Five of Perez’s six career wins have come on road circuits, Baku the first time he has won twice at the same track, and he has not won more than two races in any season.
.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was third on Sunday after starting on pole position, finished 19 seconds behind second-placed Verstappen.

“They (Red Bull) are in another league when it comes to racing,” said Leclerc.

Watch live streaming of BTV programs here