'Now they seem to be coming to Max' - Sergio Perez speaks out on Verstappen's struggles

Mexican driver Sergio Perez has faced considerable challenges throughout the current Formula 1 season. Despite driving a car that dominates the Constructors' Championship standings, Perez has not seen a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

However, the tables seem to be turning as his teammate, Max Verstappen, now appears to be grappling with the same issues that have plagued Perez for much of the season. During the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Perez expressed that Verstappen's recent struggles might offer some vindication for his performance dips earlier in the year.

The Mexican driver noted that the balance issues that have been a thorn in his side since the beginning of the season now seem to be affecting Verstappen. "They have been with me for a long time," Perez remarked, referencing the car's performance inconsistencies. "But like I said before, they seem to be hurting me earlier in the year than they did to Max. But now they seem to be coming to Max."

Sergio Perez is set to fight out mid-pack in Monza!

Sergio Perez's comments come at a time when speculation about his future with Red Bull Racing has been rife. Despite the pressure, team principal Christian Horner confirmed during the summer break that Perez would remain with the team for the upcoming races.

This decision has provided some relief for Perez, who has often found himself trailing behind the likes of McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. In Italy, however, Verstappen, who has usually outperformed Perez, found himself dealing with similar issues.

Verstappen has been open about his dissatisfaction with the car's balance, particularly during the Italian Grand Prix. Perez acknowledged the difficulties and remained hopeful that Red Bull would find a solution soon. "I think it's something that we don't have a quick fix for now, but hopefully in a short time, we can dial in some connection to the car and then the pace will be a lot better," Perez reported.

As the Italian Grand Prix approached, Perez qualified in 8th place, just behind Verstappen. The race was poised to be a critical one, with both Red Bull drivers facing the same set of challenges. Whether this shift in performance dynamics will continue remains to be seen, but for Perez, Verstappen's struggles could serve as a moment of redemption in a season full of trials.