Mexican newspaper is critical of Red Bull: 'Verstappen is favoured'

Mexican newspaper Esto has put words by Helmut Marko in a very interesting tone. According to the newspaper, Red Bull Racing would do anything to favour Max Verstappen, while Sergio Perez has to work the hardest.

Is Verstappen getting favoured?

Mexican media were clear after qualifying about Perez's mistake. The 33-year-old driver made a mistake in the very early stages of qualifying and will start the Monaco Grand Prix at the back as a result. However, the Mexican newspaper Esto focuses on another statement made earlier this weekend by Helmut Marko.

In an interview, according to the Mexican newspaper, Marko revealed that Verstappen is rarely fully satisfied with the car. "Completely satisfied is almost never the case, but the car is pretty much how he wants it. It works better and better. Every little change helps Verstappen," Red Bull's top adviser is reported to have said.

Many people might see that as a reward for the rare mistakes Verstappen makes and his consistent results, but the Mexican newspaper thinks otherwise. It reads that all such minor adjustments are only made to help Verstappen, while Perez has to make do with a car that does not suit his driving style. "Perez is the driver who has to fight in a car that does not suit him to stay competitive."

Perez makes a mistake in Monaco

Latin America's oldest newspaper also cited the title fight in 2022. Perez was then competitive in the early stages of the season with a car that was not to Verstappen's liking. During the season, the car became more and more of a 'Verstappen car', which benefited the Dutchman greatly, according to the newspaper.

It will be no different in 2023, according to Esto. The RB19 would also be developed again according to the wishes of 'Mad Max', as the magazine calls the two-time world champion. The article still tops the paper's website, despite Perez's crash in Monaco that followed this piece published on Friday.