Jacques Villeneuve, the former Formula One Champion believes that Sergio Perez is handier to Max Verstappen than Valtteri Bottas is to Lewis Hamilton. The Canadian thinks that the Mexican’s impact in Red Bull is by far more than the Finn in Mercedes.
Valtteri who crashed out in the recently concluded Italian Grand Prix with George Russell failed to continue his Podium run. The Finn finished at P3 in the season opener at Bahrain however lost the Driver of the Season award to Sergio Perez.
The 2021 challenger W12 of Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes AMG F1 was heavily damaged after the crash with George Russell from Williams Racing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, April 18, 2021.
Perez started the Bahrain circuit at the back of the pack after encountering problems with the engine but managed to end the race at P5. Sergio also finished the final qualification at P2 at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
As the F1 pack tightens, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have nowhere to hide
With Ferrari and McLaren a threat near the front again, an average weekend in a Mercedes or Red Bull is longer guaranteed a top-six spot | @lukeslater_https://t.co/Pl76ffmaoE
— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport) April 20, 2021
The 50-year-old former 1995 Cart Champion conveyed to the media, “Perez is the newcomer to the Red Bull team and yet is already stronger than Bottas, who is in his fifth season with Mercedes. Perez can help Max more than Bottas can do for Hamilton.”
Statistics say Valtteri Bottas better than Sergio Perez as of now
However, the records talk about something absolutely contrasting to the Canadian’s statement. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas is at P5 with 16 Points. Following that, Perez is at P8 with 10 Points in the driver’s standings. The 31-year-old Finland International has finished at P2, behind winner Lewis Hamilton last year while Sergio finished at P4 with Racing Point.
Valtteri Bottas on his way to claim P3 at Sakhir Grand Prix. (Image courtesy: Mercedes AMG F1’s Official Twitter Handle)
The pressure on Bottas is much more as compared to the former Racing Point driver. Valtteri has to partner with the seven-time world champion, Lewis. Whereas, Perez partners Max Verstappen. With just two races down, the race is still a long way to go. It’ll be interesting to see how the two of the most recognized racers of this season fare in the upcoming 21 races till the end of the season.
