Can Perez challenge Verstappen for the title? 'He's much closer'

Nico Rosberg thinks Sergio Perez can challenge teammate Max Verstappen for the world title. The former Formula One driver is impressed with the Mexican after the Monaco Grand Prix.

Perez took advantage of a strategic blunder by Ferrari on Sunday and won the race after a thrilling final stage. Carlos Sainz finished second, Max Verstappen third. Pole man Charles Leclerc lost the lead after a Ferrari mistake.

After the Spanish Grand Prix, where Perez was given the team order to let Verstappen past for the win, the victory in Monaco comes at a good time for the Mexican. After his strong performance, Rosberg thinks Perez has proven his point to Red Bull Racing. "The best way to say, “Don’t do that with me, guys, I want to fight for the World Championship as well here.”" the German told Sky Sports.

"What a brilliant weekend, everything perfect. Let’s not underestimate how difficult it is to do those out-laps in those conditions and get the timings right and everything – just spectacular." His victory leaves Perez only fifteen points behind leader Verstappen. The difference with Leclerc in P2 is only six points.

Last year Perez was clearly Verstappen's wingman, but Rosberg thinks he is closer to the Dutchman this year. "Incredible, you wouldn’t really expect it but he’s right there. He’s also much closer pace-wise to Verstappen this year. So, let’s see how the next couple of races pan out, but it’s great," Rosberg ends.