Competitors warned: 'Nobody is faster than Verstappen at the moment'

According to Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing has ensured that both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez can handle the RB19 well. However, Mika Hakkinen urges Perez to remain realistic in his hopes of beating his teammate.

Although Perez hopes he can beat his teammate in the upcoming Formula 1 season, Hakkinen fears that will be an impossible task for the 33-year-old Mexican. "Max Verstappen is a very strong driver, that’s obvious. He always has been," said the two-time world champion in conversation with Unibet.

'It almost takes something unnatural to beat Max'

"He’s worked hard to become the driver he is today. Is there currently someone faster than him on the track? I doubt it. I don’t think there is," he adds. Moreover, Hakkinen sees that winning two world titles has boosted the Dutchman's confidence: "He knows better how to prepare for the season. He’s still young."

Even if Perez manages to make a big move in 2023, it will also be true for Verstappen that he will continue to grow as a driver. "His talent will further develop, it won’t go backwards, it develops.," says Hakkinen. He therefore thinks Perez must admit that he will not be able to beat his teammate as long as they drive together at Red Bull.

"Perez is a good teammate," continued the 54-year-old Finn, who often saw Perez fulfilling his team's requests. "But when you have a teammate like Max, you need to be realistic and look in the mirror. You need to admit you can’t beat Max. It takes something almost supernatural to beat Max," Hakkinen concluded.