Verstappen broke Perez: 'That was a big psychological blow'

After four Grands Prix, Perez was in good shape for the 2023 Formula 1 season. The Mexican managed to win two races and was still very close to Max Verstappen in the battle for the world championship. The Mexican even expressed his desire to become world champion, and everything looked rosy until the Miami Grand Prix.

This is how Perez was broken by Verstappen in 2023

Verstappen did not set a time in Q3, so Perez had a huge advantage. The Red Bull driver started form pole position and would take over the lead from Verstappen in the world championship if he won. However, it did not come that far, as from P9, the Dutchman still won the race.

"It was really after Miami that I think that was a big, psychological blow for him – losing that race," said Red Bull Racing's team boss after the season. "Confidence is such a vital thing in this sport and I think that that momentum that he built up – because his races in Saudi and Azerbaijan were truly outstanding – [was hit]."

After the knock in Miami, Perez would not win a single race and would eventually finish well behind Verstappen in the world championship. Perez did still finish second in the drivers' standings, giving Red Bull Racing a 1-2 in that championship for the first time.