McLaren star Lando Norris has spoken out about Sergio Perez’s disappointing 2024 Formula 1 season, hinting that the Mexican driver’s poor performances have hurt Red Bull Racing more than they have helped Max Verstappen.
Perez’s Season in Numbers
Perez’s form has dramatically declined this season, leaving him 251 points behind Verstappen in the driver standings. While Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship title in Las Vegas, Red Bull is struggling to keep up in the constructor’s competition and is on the verge of losing its crown.
Perez has not stood on the podium since April and has only collected 21 points in the last eight races, a stark contrast to Verstappen’s consistent dominance. His inability to compete at Verstappen’s level has exacerbated the team’s challenges in defending its constructor’s title.
Norris on Perez’s Influence
In discussions with the media, Norris argued that Verstappen’s lack of competition from his teammate is a double-edged sword for both the Dutchman and Red Bull. While Perez’s underperformance has reduced internal pressure within the team, it has also compromised Red Bull’s ability to optimize its performance and strategy.
Norris said, “There are pros and cons. Max doesn’t have anyone pushing him, trying different things with the car, or providing valuable data through A-B testing.”
“At the same time, Max doesn’t have to deal with beating a teammate, which brings a certain level of comfort. But sometimes, pressure makes you better. Max is phenomenal, but having a stronger teammate could push the team forward.”
Norris suggested that Perez’s struggles have forced Red Bull to rely solely on Verstappen, leaving a significant gap in their ability to fight for the constructor’s championship.
The Battle for the Constructor’s Championship
McLaren leads the constructor’s standings with a 24-point lead over Ferrari, while Red Bull has fallen further behind. Norris emphasized that Red Bull’s decline is not due to Verstappen but to the disparity between their two drivers.
Norris said, “Red Bull would have likely won the constructor’s championship if they had two drivers as good as Max. That’s obvious.”
This observation highlights the importance of having two consistently strong drivers, especially in a fiercely competitive season like 2024.
Verstappen’s Legacy and Team Dynamics
Norris acknowledged Verstappen’s exceptional ability to consistently outperform his teammates, a hallmark of his career.
Norris said, “Max has proven with everyone he’s competed against that he has beaten them. That’s tough for any teammate.”
However, he expressed hope that Verstappen will one day have a teammate capable of challenging him, which would propel both the Dutchman and the team to even greater heights.
Looking to the Future
As Red Bull prepares to evaluate its future driver lineup, including Perez’s position for 2025, Norris’s comments highlight a larger issue: the importance of a balanced and competitive driver duo. With the constructor’s championship slipping out of reach, Red Bull may need to rethink its strategy if it wants to regain its dominance in the sport.
