Mexican Sergio Perez has admitted he feels added pressure from having Max Verstappen as a teammate. In the World Cup standings, Perez is no less than 125 points behind Verstappen and especially in recent races, the Mexican was unable to make a fist against Verstappen.
After some disappointing qualifying sessions, Perez’s results seemed to be improving just before the summer break. During the Belgian GP, the Mexican even had an excellent chance to triumph again, but even despite a sixth-place start, Verstappen managed to win in a very dominant manner and with a big lead over Perez.
In conversation with the Dutch Viaplay, Sergio Perez admits that having Max Verstappen as a teammate creates extra pressure.
“Obviously it’s very difficult when you have Max as a teammate,” Perez replied when asked what it’s like to have Verstappen as a teammate. “I don’t think we should detract from his talent and how hard he works, how he performs and how focused he is.”
According to Perez, it is great to have Verstappen as a teammate, but at the same time it is also a huge challenge.
“He’s a great driver but it’s also great to have him as a teammate,” said Perez. “After all, he pushes you to the limit, it causes a lot of pressure and stress. It is not easy to deal with that, someone who always performs and knows how to get the full 100 percent out of the car.”
“That’s something unique to have and it’s something that taught me a lot about myself. Yes, it’s a great time.”
Perez is then asked if being Max Verstappen’s teammate is the hardest thing to experience on the grid, Perez replies as follows: “Yes, I think so. When you are not strong enough mentally, it is very difficult for everyone to deal with.”