Max Verstappen Rejects Sergio Perez’s Contribution To Red Bull’s 2023 Title Win, Claims Solo Credit

With 19 race wins out of 22 starts in 2023, Max Verstappen registered the most dominant season a driver has ever had in F1. The Dutchman scored 575 points, which was more than second-placed Mercedes’ tally of 409 points in the constructors’ standings. Verstappen recalled his dominance ahead of the start of the Mexican GP weekend, boasting about winning Red Bull the constructors’ championship single-handedly, ignoring then-teammate Sergio Perez’s contribution.

“I showed in 2023 that you can win the Constructors’ Championship with just one driver,” Verstappen told Sport Bild. “Many found that boring, but I thought it was fantastic. I’d love to do that again!”

Verstappen made the comment in reference to Red Bull’s ongoing resurgence. The four-time world champion registered back-to-back race wins in Singapore and Malaysia and urged the team to continue working in the right direction. In his bid to motivate the team, he reminded them of the 2023 campaign and his exploits.

Max Verstappen Downplays Sergio Perez’s Contribution To Red Bull’s 2023 Title Win

While Verstappen’s points haul was statistically sufficient to win Red Bull the championship, his comment grossly undersells Perez’s own exploits. The Mexican driver played the perfect deputy to the Dutchman, bagging two race wins for the team out of the three where Verstappen failed to.

Perez had nine podium finishes to his name, with two pole positions and fastest laps. The now-Cadillac driver accumulated 285 points over the season, finishing runner-up in the drivers’ championship. This marked Red Bull’s first 1-2 finish in the drivers’ championship.

Perez underwent a massive slump following the 2023 season. Failing to replicate his exploits in 2024, he managed to finish the season only eighth. Perez may have lost his Red Bull seat after the disappointing 2024 season, but he etched his name in Red Bull’s history books forever with his performance in 2023.

Max Verstappen Praises Isack Hadjar Amid ‘Just One Driver Needed for Constructors’ Title’ Comment

Isack Hadjar was promoted to drive alongside Verstappen for Red Bull in 2026, following Yuki Tsunoda’s ouster. While the French-Algerian driver was impressive at Racing Bulls in 2025, he failed to replicate that performance at the beginning of the 2026 season under the new regulations.

However, as the season progressed, Hadjar began to find his feet and got his first podium in Monaco. Since then, he has scored points at every Grand Prix, finishing on the podium once again in Azerbaijan.

“He’s doing well, yes! It wasn’t easy for him at the start of the season because the car was so complicated and it’s only his second season. But since then he’s been on the podium twice. That’s important for the team,” said Verstappen, praising Hadjar.

Despite Hadjar’s recent return to form, the gap to Verstappen remains massive. With 236 points, Verstappen is currently fourth in the standings, while Hadjar is only eighth with 105 points. The #6 driver will surely look to catch up to his teammate in 2027, if not try to outclass him.

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