Can Perez challenge Verstappen, 'Only if they're really dominant'

This season will be very important for Red Bull Racing. After winning the drivers' championship with Max Verstappen, all eyes are on the constructors' championship this season. Last year they fell just short and the title went to Mercedes. This year will have to be different, although there seem to be different interests within the team.

Indeed, according to Sky Sports analyst Craig Slater, Sergio Perez has a big goal in mind this season. Whereas last year he was clearly the second driver to play a supporting role in Verstappen's success, this year he wants to raise the bar."I remember when Checo first came to Red Bull, the first thing he said to me was that he is here to win the World Championship." Perez has that goal again in 2022, according to Slater.

Very obviously, however, that will not be the case. Last year Perez was used several times to put pressure on the competition. As a result, Verstappen received victory several times in his lap. This year will be different if it is up to Perez. According to Slater, there is a very important side note to this.

"Checo has to convince Red Bull he is a viable contender, he will hope the Red Bull car is clear of the field because Red Bull have less of a concern. One advantage that Nico Rosberg had over Lewis Hamilton, that's the best scenario for Perez," said the Sky Sports presenter.