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Even pro-Perez website give in: 'Verstappen will be world champion'
- Ludo van Denderen
The Netherlands think Max Verstappen is the very best driver in Formula 1 right now. The figures support that Verstappen is actually on a lone position, so it is not that strange what the Netherlands thinks. In Mexico, things are different. There, there is the assumption that Sergio Perez - Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing - is the best. Although that thinking is slowly starting to change.
Meanwhile, the gap - yes, it is a gap - between Verstappen and Perez is 69 points. Fernando Alonso, the number three in the standings, has even approached Perez to within nine points. The Mexican seems to have to look back rather than Verstappen after three lesser results in a row. His self-proclaimed goal of making a serious bid for the world title this season is already no longer realistic in June of the 2023 season.
'Praised by Mexican media'
Even his most loyal companions increasingly recognise that Perez can already whistle for the championship cup. Take Esto, Mexico's biggest sports medium. For months, it published stories praising Perez. About how good Perez was on street circuits and about how Red Bull disadvantaged him time and again. Papa Perez often dabbled on the website, with quotes as absurd as they were entertaining.
The last few months with the Mexican media are reminiscent of the different stages of grieving. First there was denial ('Perez can really be champion'), then anger ('Red Bull pulls ahead of Verstappen'). Then came bargaining with himself ('Maybe Perez is not good enough after all?') and grief. Now there is the acceptance phase, also with Esto.
'Verstappen takes his third title'
Indeed, the medium could no longer keep up appearances after another dramatic Grand Prix for Perez. In an analysis of the race - in which Perez finished sixth and Verstappen won - the journalist stated in the very first sentence: "Barring a catastrophe, no one will take away Max Verstappen's title in the 2023 Formula 1 campaign, despite there being 14 Grands Prix to go." It says, even Mexico has been converted: Perez will not be world champion.
Why Verstappen will be champion? Esto has a thorough analysis on that: "This is because the Dutchman has shown impressive potential throughout the year, and none of his rivals can stand in his shadow. Not even his partner Checo Perez, who is already feeling the hot breath of the experienced Fernando Alonso in the battle for second place in F1."