Perez is one level behind Verstappen within the Drivers’ Championship after profitable the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix final weekend.
The Mexican has by no means led the world championship throughout his F1 profession, however he was on track to take action in Jeddah if Verstappen hadn’t set the quickest lap on the ultimate lap.
With Pink Bull having fun with a big benefit over the remainder of the sphere in F1 2023, Perez is realistically Verstappen’s solely challenger for the title this yr.
Nonetheless, Massa – who narrowly missed out on the 2008 title to Lewis Hamilton – believes Charles Leclerc can be Pink Bull’s “largest challenger” if Ferrari might give him a title-challenging stage of automobile.
“Like Max and Lewis, Charles is an distinctive driver,” Massa mentioned. Image.
“He’s presently Pink Bull’s largest title challenger.
“Their second driver, Sergio Pérez, is just too inconsistent. So is Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Massa extremely values George Russell, particularly as he managed to beat Hamilton in 2022.
“I belief him to do it,” he added. “We should not overlook: final yr, in his first season at Mercedes, he left Lewis behind on the earth championship.
“An unbelievable efficiency. Earlier than that, solely Nico Rosberg had achieved this in Lewis’ complete profession in 2016 (Jenson Button additionally in 2011). George is a high driver.
