Perez not afraid: 'Nobody is in as strong a shape as Verstappen'

After two Grands Prix in 2023, Max Verstappen tops the championship with one point ahead of teammate Sergio Perez. The fast RB19 and Red Bull Racing drivers seem to be title favourites this year. Perez is preparing for a battle against the two-time world champion next to him.

It currently looks like Perez and Verstappen will be competing against each other for the 2023 title. It is still very early in the season, but the RB19 is so much faster than the competition that it seems almost impossible for teams like Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin to get past Red Bull with further development this year.

Plan of action against Verstappen

Perez is therefore preparing for a battle with the strongest competitor he can imagine on the current grid. Motorsport-total.com quotes the Mexican: "No doubt: nobody is in as good a shape as Max. In this team with this car, he is the hardest driver to beat. Having Max as a reference point makes you a better driver."

Perez's plan of action is to be consistent. Last year, Verstappen won 15 races, yet the Mexican sees opportunities for himself in that scenario too. According to Perez, winning 15 times is not enough, if you all drop out of the other races with car problems. For Perez, consistency and finishing every race in 2023 will weigh most heavily.