Lewis Hamilton believes new Red Bull recruit Sergio Perez will make life significantly harder for Mercedes than Alex Albon was able to this year.
Perez will partner Max Verstappen in 2021, replacing Albon who had a disappointing season and rarely threatened the Mercedes drivers. Albon was a close fourth behind Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in Abu Dhabi, preventing any strategic gambles from the Mercedes pair as Verstappen led the race and went on to win, and Hamilton says the form Perez showed this year will mean Red Bull provides a tougher challenge.
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“Naturally, this makes Red Bull stronger, particularly with the way Sergio is performing. I think Sergio has driven incredibly well this year, and truly deserved a drive. I was so, so, so happy to hear he was taken on by one of the top teams and given this opportunity. I think it’s going to be an exciting battle to watch him up against Max.
Verstappen also thinks Red Bull will benefit from both increased pace from his teammate but also stronger race craft, with Perez having won in Sakhir after being last on the opening lap.
“Well, just be faster, and closer to the cars,” Verstappen said. “Checo’s a good guy, he’s good on his tires, he’s a good racer, he’s intelligent…. That’s what’s going to make the difference.”
Source: racer.com