Helmut Marko makes Max Verstappen/Sergio Perez comparison as Checo takes P2 in Australia

Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko has said that Sergio Perez’s performance in Australia was ‘on a par’ with Max Verstappen as Checo took P2 at the Australian Grand Prix.

It had looked as though Verstappen would be the man to take second place behind race leader Charles Leclerc but the Dutchman retired with about a third of the race left go.

Fortunately for Red Bull, Perez was at least on hand to pick up that second place, with him earning his first podium of the season and a decent haul of points.

After Bahrain’s disappointment where he retired on the final lap, Perez has seen some strong displays with misfortune taking away a chance of a lights-to-flag win in Saudi and it is apparent that Marko is impressed with what the Mexican is doing in the RB18 at the moment as well:

“Checo drove a great race and was on a par with Max,” Marko said to Motorsport-Total.com.

“He did lose a position at the start, but that was a sensational start by Hamilton.”

Perez is a really solid driver and it looks as though the new regulation changes are suiting his driving style and the way he likes to set-up a car.

He has been very close to Max in terms of qualifying and has two top four finishes to his name, following on from Bahrain.

He’s doing what is expected of him in that Red Bull and will feel as though there’s lots more to come as well.

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