Perez's 'lack' of speed not a problem? 'Like Bottas at Mercedes'

Sergio Perez has struggled very hard to keep up with teammate Max Verstappen over the past two seasons. The Red Bull driver underperformed compared to his Dutch colleague almost every week last year. The Mexican knows that to close the gap, he needs to go the extra mile, analysts Lawrence Barretto and Jolyon Palmer discuss in Sky Sports' winter test broadcast.

Barretto has heard from the Perez camp that they know he will have to do more to beat Verstappen: "There's a feeling on Checo's side that there's more work that he needs to do to shut the gap. He says he has identified key areas where he wants to improve." The analyst notes that 'Checo' is not only duelling with Verstappen but also has another competitor behind him. "He needs to slash that gap with Daniel in the background," he said.

Quarrelling between Verstappen and Perez

After the squabbles after last season's Brazilian Grand Prix, everything seems to be sorted within the Red Bull garage. The Dutchman decided not to get ahead of his teammate, causing Perez to miss out on extra points that he could put to good use in the battle for spot two in the championship. "They are getting on pretty well. Max was saying how they have talked it out, and that they have to work together. Checo is really excited, he says, to have Daniel in the background. But the reality is he has to perform and deliver because Daniel is waiting in the wings," Barretto said.

Perez the new Bottas at Mercedes

Is the level difference between Verstappen and Perez a problem? Palmer makes a comparison with the situation at Mercedes two years ago. "Red Bull won the constructors with ease, they won the drivers with ease. As long as they have a harmonious relationship. A bit like keeping Valtteri Bottas in the Mercedes, a gap between the two drivers but if you're winning it's okay," Palmer said.