Perez on Max: 'No one can beat him straight away'

The difference in the standings is 136 points. The difference in Grands Prix won this season is 12. Still, Sergio Perez believes he has it in him to beat teammate Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.

In recent weeks, Perez seems to have regained his form. The Mexican recently won in Singapore and took third place in Mexico last weekend. He is now second in the championship, though well behind Verstappen. Even in his second year with the team, Perez has failed to really attack the Dutchman.

Trying again

Speaking to Racer.com Perez says he is certainly not the only one who would have a tough time against Verstappen: “I don’t believe there’s anyone that can come and just beat him straightaway. He’s very solid with the team. He’s been here a while so I think I’m just getting closer and closer through the year so I will give another shot for next year and see what happens.”

Perez wants to win the next two races to secure second place in the championship. The lead over Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is five points. “I think the lesson from this year is that it’s been a great year as a team (but) I do need to step up a bit my race pace, mainly. Where last year was more the qualifying, I think. With these cars, you are able to race a lot closer, so I think we need to step up that race pace.?