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The former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya analyzed in an interview for Motorsport.com the realities of Max Verstappen and Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez in the highest category of motorsport and the Mexican from the Red Bull team came out losing in the comparison.
The Colombian specified that the Aztec driver is far from surpassing the European. “Is ‘Checo’ a better driver than Max? The truth is, no. He is a very good driver, but I don’t think he is at Max’s level. But he could drive it and Max couldn’t. And that’s where the team does a really good job. They understand what you need and make it better. This is where I think he gets really cool.”
“What Red Bull has always done well is the amount of progress they make with the car. They can really develop the car. Same as Mercedes. The development rate of the cars compared to any other team, they are in a different league,” he added.
From Montoya’s perspective, Pérez gave his partner a battle because he was able to adapt to the car, but he considers that Verstappen remains a favorite for this new Formula 1 season with “quite high” possibilities.
“I think Max is in a very good mental state right now. He knows that he can beat anyone. When you’re in that position and you have the team to do it, it’s good and he’s doing the job. Last year he had to improve his game. If we look at ‘Czech’ at the beginning of the year, he took a giant step forward. And Max had to do his best. And when he did it, it was great to see,” he opined.
The historic driver who reached 30 podiums in his career also added Charles Leclerc from Monegasque to the equation and pointed out that he is not at the same level due to Max’s great experience which ends up being transformed into titles.
“I wouldn’t say it’s at the same level. Because I think Charles is very good, but Max is more experienced. And I think the more experience he has and the more wins, and with the championships now under his belt, that takes a lot of pressure off him,” he said.
The engines for this 2023 F1 season will be ignited on March 5 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
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