Jolyon Palmer watched Max Verstappen's performance in Miami with admiration. The Briton believes Sergio Perez will win a few more races in 2023, but that a world title is almost out of the question.
After his victory in Azerbaijan, Perez seemed to believe for a while that he could become world champion. Not surprisingly, as the Mexican was only six points behind his teammate and won two of the first four races. In Miami, however, the Red Bull Racing driver was knocked off his feet. Perez was downgraded by Verstappen.
Verstappen shows supremacy
While Perez was allowed to start from pole, Verstappen ended up winning the race from P9. In race pace, Verstappen was much faster than his teammate and also kept his tyres whole for longer. ''Perez will have his day - I am sure he will win again this year, but when he wins, it is his best ever drive,'' Palmer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
The former F1 driver foresees the problem for Perez there. Where he has to drive an ultimate race to win, Verstappen seems much more easily able to do so. ''Verstappen the next week will come from P9 to win - and that is the difference between the two drivers. It is hard to see someone stopping Verstappen.
Even Perez,'' Palmer concludes.