In the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen’s dominant win was aided by a key strategic contribution from his teammate, Sergio Perez, according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. While Verstappen’s performance on track was flawless, it was Perez’s role in executing a clever team strategy that played a pivotal part in securing the victory.
The race, which took place at Interlagos, was marked by intense competition, with Verstappen facing pressure from rival teams. Red Bull’s main focus was to ensure Verstappen maintained his track position while managing the tire wear, especially as rain threatened to complicate the strategy. Here, Perez’s input was crucial.
Perez, who had been struggling for pace earlier in the race, was instructed by Red Bull to strategically back up Verstappen’s competitors, particularly Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who were in close contention for the podium. By holding up these drivers and effectively managing the gap between Verstappen and the rest, Perez allowed his teammate to gain an advantage, ensuring that Verstappen could focus on managing his tires and executing his moves without the pressure from behind.
Red Bull also made strategic calls to support Verstappen’s position, including pit stop timings and tire management. However, it was Perez’s cooperation in giving Verstappen more space on the track that allowed Max to stay ahead. This kind of teamwork is common in F1 but is often understated—especially when one driver is dominant like Verstappen, whose performance overshadowed any direct assistance.
Horner expressed his gratitude for Perez’s efforts, acknowledging that while Verstappen was the star of the race, Perez’s role in the broader strategy should not be overlooked. By ensuring that Verstappen was not under pressure from other drivers, Perez indirectly contributed to the smooth execution of Red Bull’s race plan.
The Brazilian Grand Prix once again highlighted the dynamic relationship between Verstappen and Perez, and the broader Red Bull strategy. While Verstappen continues to set the standard with his sheer speed, Perez’s strategic intelligence and ability to support his teammate in high-stakes moments like these were critical in securing yet another victory for the team.
In F1, victories are rarely the result of individual efforts alone, and Red Bull’s strong team dynamic was clearly evident in Brazil.
Leave a Reply