Last year, Sergio Perez clearly expressed his desire to go for the world title. What followed was a season in which Max Verstappen managed to win 19 out of 22 Grands Prix. Nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen therefore thinks Perez can beat Verstappen only on an off-day from the Dutchman.

At the start of the 2023 season, Verstappen and Perez were going neck and neck. After four races, both men had won two Grands Prix. The excitement was short-lived: 17 of the 18 races that followed were won by Verstappen. The Mexican teammate of the now three-time world champion did not win another race and so the championship was quickly decided.

'Then Verstappen has a bad day'

Kristensen also sees a Perez who cannot keep up with his teammate, he explained during the F1 Nations podcast: "I mean, if I look back to a year ago, he was talking about winning the world championship after brilliant performances, like victory in Saudi Arabia, like Baku. But there is no doubt that when Max has a down day, which Checo has from time to time..."

The Dane is interrupted and asked when was the last time Verstappen had a lesser day. Kristensen replies, "Maybe during qualifying [in Japan], because he was less than a tenth ahead of Checo Perez. But that's a bad day for Verstappen, only being on pole by just under a tenth. That's the reality. I'm sorry. He is really strong. But I have to say, it's brilliant of Checo to deal with that in the same team and he's doing that very well."