Verstappen's ex-teammate sure Dutchman 'deserves' to win F1 title

Sergio Perez is adamant that Max Verstappen still has an opportunity to clinch his fifth consecutive F1 world championship this year.

Perez spent four seasons alongside Verstappen in Formula 1 while the pair were teammates at Red Bull. The Mexican lost his seat at the end of last year as he was replaced by Liam Lawson.

The former Red Bull driver feels Verstappen has been on a good run of form this season as the campaign draws to a close.

Perez said via ESPN.com.mx ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix: “I think Max has a very good chance [at the world title], he's going to be very good, and I think Max deserves it.”

Verstappen has been very impressive in recent races and has won three of the last four events, applying significant pressure on McLaren.

Oscar Piastri leads the world championship ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Verstappen is 40 points off the pace but is building momentum.

Max Verstappen at Mexico City GP: Image credit: RacePictures

Verstappen also has a very good record at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, winning there a record five times.

However, last year's event was more challenging as the reigning world champion slumped to a sixth-place finish after an incident with Norris.

Perez is returning to the grid next season with Cadillac

Perez has sat on the sidelines this season after a lacklustre end to his stint at Red Bull, but will return with Cadillac.

The Mexican driver will partner with Valtteri Bottas at the all-new American team as Formula 1 expands to 22 cars.

This will add another dynamic to next year's F1 world championship as the field will have even more competition.

Perez said he is set to complete a TPC using a Ferrari car for Cadillac for training purposes. "I'm going to have two days in Imola, which is going to help me a lot. But, we're doing well [in preparation]," he commented.

Read also

Piastri: 'Everybody thought' Verstappen was out of the title battle

Piastri confirms McLaren repercussions will not continue

Perez’s F1 return takes shape with Ferrari test at Imola

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