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Sergio Perez’s legendary defense vs. Yuki Tsunoda’s blunder: who truly masters F1 teamwork?

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 7, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Sergio Perez’s legendary defense vs. Yuki Tsunoda’s blunder: who truly masters F1 teamwork?

SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Second placed Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Race winner and 2022 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210090409 // Usage for editorial use only //

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Title: Tsunoda’s Missed Opportunity: How Red Bull’s Strategy Backfired in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix!

In a gripping twist of fate at the 2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda found himself in a high-stakes situation that could have mirrored Sergio Perez’s legendary role in the 2021 championship finale. While Perez rightfully earned his place in the annals of F1 history with his heroic defense of Max Verstappen, Tsunoda’s efforts fell flat, leading to a disappointing penalty and missed opportunity.

As the tire selections were announced, it seemed that Tsunoda was primed to replicate the pivotal support that Perez had provided Verstappen in 2021. However, while Perez’s actions cemented his status as a team legend, Tsunoda’s performance ended with a five-second penalty for weaving, which he lamented as “very harsh.” This stark contrast did not go unnoticed by Perez, who humorously acknowledged the situation with a meme referencing Avengers: Endgame, suggesting that Red Bull had treated him “too harshly,” followed by a cheeky “perhaps” and a laughing emoji.

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Tsunoda’s season had already been marked by struggles, failing to match even Perez’s lackluster 2024 results. The pressure was immense, and while starting from a promising 10th position on hard tires, he had the potential to disrupt the race dynamics. In 2021, Perez’s defensive driving against Lewis Hamilton had been crucial, reducing Hamilton’s lead from nine seconds to a mere 1.2 seconds, ultimately playing a significant role in the championship outcome. Verstappen himself stated, “I think without Checo I wouldn’t be sitting here right now,” highlighting Perez’s invaluable contribution.

Fast forward to 2025, and the stakes were similarly high. Tsunoda had the chance to hinder Lando Norris’s progress, but instead, he was swiftly overtaken, failing to defend adequately despite Red Bull’s urgent radio calls. His response, “I know what to do, leave it to me,” echoed with confidence, yet his inability to hold off Norris left the team frustrated. The subsequent penalty for changing directions did not help his case, as stewards deemed his actions dangerous, forcing Norris to take evasive action.

“I can tell the stress from them,” Tsunoda reflected, but his defensive driving simply wasn’t up to par with Perez’s legendary performance. The implications were clear: Tsunoda not only missed a chance to support his team but also squandered a golden opportunity to alter the course of the race. Charles Leclerc was breathing down Norris’s neck, and had Tsunoda managed to hold his ground, he could have potentially allowed Leclerc to capitalize on the situation.

In a dramatic turn of events, Tsunoda’s failure to deliver could easily be seen as a betrayal of the team strategy that had been so successful for Perez. The Red Bull team had hoped for a repeat of the tactical genius that Perez exhibited in 2021, but Tsunoda’s day was marred by his inability to execute under pressure.

Looking back at Perez’s historic moment in 2021, he had brilliantly thwarted Hamilton, allowing Verstappen to close the gap and ultimately seize victory. Perez had stated, “I knew that Lewis had the race under control… it worked well, and I’m happy I helped Max and the team.” His strategic maneuvering not only showcased his skills but solidified his place as a crucial player in one of F1’s most dramatic seasons.

As the dust settles on the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one thing is clear: Tsunoda’s performance was a missed chance for glory, a stark reminder of what could have been had he matched the caliber of his predecessor. In the ruthless world of Formula 1, where every second counts, Tsunoda’s falter stands in stark contrast to the legendary status of Sergio Perez. What was once a chance to be a hero instead became a cautionary tale of pressure and missed opportunities on the grandest stage of motorsport.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-abu-dhabi-grand-prixmax-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racingSergio Pérezyuki-tsunodas
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