Jos Verstappen has branded the father of Sergio Perez an “idiot” after he insinuated his son was not given the same Red Bull Formula 1 machinery as the Dutchman’s son.
Sergio Perez was team-mate to Max Verstappen between 2021 and 2024 at the Milton Keynes-based squad, playing a supporting role as the latter took the title in each of those seasons.
Perez largely performed well, taking five Grand Prix wins in that time, finishing runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship in 2023.
But his form dipped in his final campaign, struggling with the RB20 as he laboured to an eighth-place finish in the title.
The downturn in results saw Perez unceremoniously fired by the team, though he is now readying himself for his return with Cadillac next season.
In a recent interview, Antonio Perez said: “Checo was with Red Bull for four years. How many years was Red Bull champion? All four. Checo Perez made Verstappen World Champion.
“If Checo had received the car he deserved in his final year, he would have become World Champion himself. Red Bull needed him to become champion.
“They gave him a great car, and he kept an eight-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, behind him.”
Verstappen responds to Perez camp’s allegation
Verstappen Sr, known for his outspoken attitude, took to his X account to blast Perez Sr for his assertion, suggesting that his son was just not good enough to compete with his.
“What an idiot he is,” he wrote. “He’s always been given the same material, but he just has to step on the gas.”
Perez will be thoroughly determined to prove any doubters as he looks forward to returning to the grid with Cadillac alongside fellow F1 veteran Valtteri Bottas.
The pair will embark on the American squad’s debut campaign next year, having been announced as its two drivers two weeks ago
Verstappen praised Perez’s signing and said his experience will be valuable to the team as it takes its first steps in the sport.
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