Former Formula 1 racer and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has led the praise that erupted today upon announcement that Sergio Perez will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next year.
Brundle also believes Checo has the speed to “handle the pressure” of being a teammate to Max, when no other driver has managed to come close since the Dutchman entrenched himself in the team.
The Mexican was handed a one-year-deal by Red Bull Racing on Friday, replacing Alex Albon in the car for the 2021 F1 season. Albon will remain part of the team in a test and reserve driver role, while Yuki Tsonoda will partner Pierre Gasly at Red Bull sister team AlphaTauri.
The Thai driver struggled in the second seat alongside Verstappen this season, finishing on the podium just twice and ending the year seventh in the standings, 109 points behind his teammate. Verstappen also out-qualified Albon at every Grand Prix.
Reacting to the news, Brundle said that he was very pleased Perez would be remaining on the grid after losing his seat at Racing Point to the incoming Sebastian Vettel.
“Going to be interesting, very pleased Sergio Perez remains on the grid, he should be experienced/fast enough to handle the pressure of Mighty Max,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Happy too, Alex Albon is still very much in the game for the future, he’s better than he’s looked this year, as was Gasly last year.”
🗣 "The Team has the same winning mentality as me and I know I am here to perform." @SChecoPerez on joining the Team 👊 #HolaCheco 🇲🇽 #F1 pic.twitter.com/Lh4Pg32ACZ
— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 18, 2020