On social media, Jos Verstappen, father of the three-time Dutch champion, sent a harsh message to Antonio Pérez Garibay after he claimed that his son played a key role in Max's Formula 1 titles.

Jos Verstappen vs. Antonio Pérez Garibay: the battle of narratives in Formula 1

The verbal clash between Jos Verstappen and Antonio Pérez Garibay is not just an exchange of statements; it is a reflection of the tensions that still surround Checo Pérez's time at Red Bull. Beyond the anecdote, this episode opens up the discussion about the role that secondary drivers play in dominant teams and the importance of media narrative in Formula 1.

What did Antonio Pérez Garibay say?

In an interview with Victory Media, Checo's father stated that his son never had a car on equal terms with Verstappen during his time at Red Bull, which prevented him from competing for the championship.

“Checo raced for Red Bull for four years. How many years did Red Bull win the championship? Four years. Checo Pérez made Verstappen the champion. If Checo had had the same car, he would now be world champion.”

He also pointed out that Red Bull needed Checo to secure Max's titles, recalling his key role in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he held off Lewis Hamilton.

Jos Verstappen's response

His words quickly generated a reaction. Through X, Jos Verstappen called the Mexican driver's father a “coward” and claimed that Sergio was always given the same equipment, but that the difference lay in his performance on the track.

“What a coward he is. He has always been given the same equipment, but he has to step on the gas,” Jos wrote.

Jos Verstappen's response, calling Pérez Garibay a “coward,” should be read as a direct defense of his son's greatness. For Jos, Max is a champion because he knew how to make the most of the equipment he had at his disposal, not thanks to the work of a teammate.

Checo Pérez: between the past and the future

Amid this war of words, Checo remains focused on what lies ahead: his arrival at Cadillac Racing in 2026. The Mexican faces a stage that could redefine his career, far from the shadow of Verstappen. However, the echoes of this controversy confirm that his time at Red Bull will continue to be a topic of debate in the public eye.

Beyond the insults, what is at stake is the historical narrative. Was Checo Pérez an indispensable wingman or a limited driver compared to Verstappen's talent? Formula 1, with its mix of sport and spectacle, shows that the battle for the narrative is almost as important as the one fought on the track.