McLaren star Lando Norris has weighed in on Sergio Perez’s disappointing 2024 Formula 1 season, suggesting that the Mexican driver’s lackluster performances have hurt Red Bull Racing more than they’ve helped Max Verstappen.
Perez’s Season in Numbers
Perez’s form has plummeted dramatically this season, leaving him a distant 251 points behind Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship standings. While Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive world title in Las Vegas, Red Bull has struggled to keep pace in the Constructors’ Championship and is poised to lose its crown.
Perez hasn’t stood on the podium since April and has managed just 21 points in the last eight rounds, a stark contrast to Verstappen’s consistent dominance. His inability to compete at Verstappen’s level has amplified the team’s challenges in defending its Constructors’ title.
Norris on Perez’s Impact
Speaking to media, Norris argued that Verstappen’s lack of competition from his teammate has been a double-edged sword for both the Dutchman and Red Bull. While Perez’s underperformance has eliminated internal team pressure, it has also hindered Red Bull’s ability to optimize its performance and strategy.
Norris:
“There’s pros and cons. Max doesn’t have someone pushing him, trying other things with the car, or providing valuable data through A to B testing.”
“At the same time, Max doesn’t have to deal with beating a teammate, which comes with some comfort. But sometimes, having 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 compete for the Constructors’ Championship.
The Constructors’ Battle
McLaren leads the Constructors’ standings with a 24-point cushion over Ferrari, while Red Bull has slipped further behind. Norris asserted that Red Bull’s decline isn’t due to Verstappen but the disparity between its two drivers.
Norris:
“Red Bull probably would have won the Constructors’ if they had two drivers as good as Max. That’s obvious.”
This observation underscores the importance of having two consistently strong drivers, particularly in a tightly contested season like 2024.
Verstappen’s Legacy and the Team Dynamics
Norris acknowledged Verstappen’s exceptional ability to consistently outperform his teammates, a hallmark of his career.
Norris:
“Max has proved with everybody he’s gone up against that he’s 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 push both the Dutchman and the team to even greater heights.
Looking Ahead
As Red Bull prepares to assess its future driver lineup, including Perez’s position for 2025, Norris’s comments highlight a broader issue: the importance of maintaining a balanced and competitive driver pairing. With the Constructors’ Championship slipping away, Red Bull may need to rethink its strategy if it wants to reclaim its dominance in the sport.
