Verstappen lacks backing: 'Perez failed last weekend'

Verstappen lacks back up

Although Red Bull Racing also lacked the speed to make things really difficult for Mercedes in Spain, it also didn't help that Verstappen once again had to fight the battle against Mercedes alone. "It was overwhelmingly two against one yes," analyses Robert Doornbos at Motorsport.com. "As it has often been in Mercedes' favour in recent years."

With Perez unable to connect with Verstappen and Mercedes, there were fewer strategic options for Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. "Precisely because of that, Mercedes could put more pressure and try different strategies. Perez did fail a little bit last weekend in my opinion, his presence could have at least made a difference."

Shoulder problems

Perez admitted after the race that he suffered from shoulder problems on Saturday, which prevented his qualifying from being optimal. "Well. I think it's mainly about the pressure on his shoulders..." Doornbos jokes with a wink.

Still, the pressure on Perez will not be less. Prior to the season he said he needed five races to get used to it and that fifth race is coming up in Monaco next week. "I have to say Checo has picked one for his fifth race as well.... If you can't do that one lap in Monaco on Saturday and can't start in the top-four, then it's already starting to get tricky. So yes, he's been brought in by Red Bull for Sunday, but of course that starts with that one Q3 lap on Saturday."