Jean Alesi discusses Max Verstappen's title defence & praises Sergio Perez

Jean Alesi has offered his thoughts on Red Bull’s season so far, with Max Verstappen looking on course to win a second world title.

The Bulls have been the pick of the bunch so far in 2022, with them coupling reliability, after a few early blips, with speed to devastating effect.

Indeed, Verstappen finds himself 80 points clear at the top of the Drivers’ standings, whilst his team is 97 ahead of Ferrari in second place.

It’s certainly looking good for them to take both championships this year, and Alesi told Give Me Sport that, whilst things can go wrong in motorsport, the Dutchman is very much in the driving seat:

“Well, there’s no question about the numbers. They have a big lead. That gives confidence to a driver with already massive confidence. He has a strong team, they make zero mistakes. So for sure we can say they are in a good position. But it’s motorsport – everything can go wrong. But for sure if I have to bet it’s Max and Red Bull.”

Many, meanwhile, wonder if the big lead Max has will see Red Bull start calling in team orders to get Sergio Perez to help the Dutchman seal the crown, but Alesi says there isn’t a number one and two driver in the team, though they will follow instructions if and when they’re given:

“This year I’ve been very impressed with Sergio because to have a teammate like Max Verstappen I’m sure it’s not easy. All the new circuits we have, like Miami, you see the first lap times and Max is nearly always faster than his teammates and for a driver when your teammate, with the same car, is able to make this kind of input it’s very difficult to swallow.

“But when you have the experience of Checo, he’s a hard fighter and worker so he is doing a very good job. So for sure there’s not a number one