Is Perez the only driver who can challenge Verstappen in China?

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing dominated on Saturday at the Chinese Grand Prix. Once past Lewis Hamilton, the three-time world champion disappeared into the horizon, putting the rest of the field 13 seconds behind him in just 10 laps. However, Helmut Marko expects Sergio Perez to make things difficult for the Dutchman in the race. Can Perez actually pose a threat to Verstappen?

Can Perez challenge Verstappen in China?

Marko is convinced that Perez will be Verstappen's biggest rival in the Chinese Grand Prix. However, the Red Bull advisor is also taking into account the Ferrari's race pace, which has looked much better than their qualifying pace. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have to come from sixth and seventh places respectively at the start.

In the sprint race, Perez's race pace was perhaps less noticeable as he was stuck in the group behind Verstappen, Hamilton and Alonso for a long time. He managed to take advantage of the battle between Sainz and Alonso, after which he grabbed third place. After this, he moved closer to Hamilton at a rapid pace and his lap times were about three-tenths per lap slower than Verstappen's.

If Perez manages to overtake the Dutchman at the start, he may be able to take advantage of a DRS train like the one we saw in the sprint race. Is the Red Bull driver the only one who can challenge Verstappen in the Chinese GP? Or can Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris take the fight to the Dutchman? Or, will Verstappen just disappear into the horizon 'as usual' shortly after the start? Time will tell...