Ex-Dutch racer deems Sergio Perez a ‘Top Second Driver’ against the sensational Max Verstappen at Red Bull

This wasn’t the fault of the Mexican as he still consistently scored a podium finish and Verstappen’s pace was simply unmatchable.

I don't think he can really be blamed for anything, Pérez. This is what it is, huh. He comes in second or third and that is fine in the end. But Max is just from the first moment ... it says there. Allard Kalf said, as reported by nl.motorsport.com.

The two Red Bull drivers needed to get the signals out of the RB20. Hence, according to Kalf, this was precisely the difference between the two. The Dutchman mentioned that Perez was good, fine, and a ‘top second rider’ behind Verstappen. However, in the end, the former was just a second driver and the reigning world champion was the team’s priority. This is also the reason behind Verstappen’s three world championships.

You also have to get the signals out of that car.And that is precisely the difference between Sergio Pérez and Max Verstappen. Perez is good, fine, top second rider. But in the end he is a second rider. And Max Verstappen is the man it's all about. And that is also why Max has now become world champion three times. Allard Kalf noted.

Allard Kalf claims Netherlands is ‘blessed with motorsport talent’ amidst three Dutch winners

F1 has seen its share of Dutch drivers including Max Verstappen, Nyck de Vries, and many others. Hence, Allard Kalf, a Dutchman. was delighted to see three different Dutch winners in different categories of motorsport. Kalf pointed out that Renger van der Zande won the IMSA competition, while Nyck de Vries won the WEC in Imola. And Verstappen’s Chinese victory further increased the count of Dutch winners to three.

We are of course a small country, the Netherlands. But Renger van der Zande wins the IMSA competition on Long Beach last Saturday. Max naturally wins the Grand Prix of China and Nyck de Vries wins the World Endurance competition at Imola with Toyota, along with his teammates. Allard Kalf mentioned.

Hence, the fact that such drivers were raising the nation’s name in the world of motorsport was a great feat for the former Dutch driver. Kalf asserted that the nation was blessed with motorsport talent due to this occurrence.

 And then I think, when I wake up like that on Monday morning: 'Guys, three big games, three Dutch winners. We are blessed with motorsport talent in this country.' And of course, Max is above everything and everyone. But we do it well underneath. Allard Kalf concluded.

Verstappen will continue to etch his name in the record books forever, courtesy of his recent performance in the ground-effect era. The reigning world champion has performed in a league of his own ever since the beginning of the 2024 season. Hence, the 26-year-old would likely eliminate competition early on and score a smooth world championship this season as well.