There are several types of number two drivers for a team formula 1. Sergio ‘Czech’ Pérez would not hesitate to be one Nico Rosberg, Red Bull would settle for being like Valtteri Bottas and no one would want him to be like Alex Albon.
To begin with, it should be clear that even if the Mexican does not feel, does not want to be the second winger of the team based in Milton Keynes, it is a fact that Christian Horner and company is the almost wild talent of Max Verstappen.
And not bad, the Czech was hired to be a teammate who is close to Verstappen and get the points that make Red Bull defeat Mercedes in the constructors’ championship.
A mature runner who will have no trouble subordinating his individual benefit to achieving team goals.
But if on the way to doing his job, without hindering Max’s, Czech manages to be equal to the top of the Dutch in the standings, it is a fact that he will fight for the title.
Either way, Czech’s job is to be as close as possible to Max as long as he can be ahead, welcome.
It is too early to predict what kind of role Perez will have, almost no Grand Prix has been run and his teammate is for many the most talented F1 driver. The role of a second pilot is also directly linked to the performance of number one. But we can present some options and examples.
Types of pilots
The “Sancho Panza to disgust”
This teammate is a number two driver who does not like to be on a secondary plane, who has no qualms about saying ‘I’m not a driver of a driver’, but his level only gives to be the faithful squire who it totally helps the team achieve its goals. It is the Sancho of Don Quixote who goes a step back from Rocinante, but hates to be.
Example: Valtteri Bottas
0:20
The Mexican manages to make a maneuver that left the Dutchman speechless.
Hand “Robin of Batman”
This one is good, very good at everything. Good in speed, consistency and pace. He knows what his role is and fulfills it with a smile. His “goodness” is such that he will let himself go whenever asked. Aware that Batman has the first credit for the film and lives happily as a supporting actor.
Example: Rubens Barrichello
The “No more Mr. Nice Guy”
This one seemed like a good friend, a lifelong colleague who would seem commanded to do to protect and help the “star” win all the titles, but one day he decides he won’t give up a place again and based on speed and wins snatches the title from his teammate. The friendship ends, but another champion is born.
Example: Nico Rosberg in 2016
The “Fredo Corleone”
What comes from the family, which claims its right to occupy a seat in it but at the right time does not work. Instead of helping, their actions hurt the entire organization. In the end he is asked to go fishing and leave the job to another.
Example: Alex Albon in 2020
The “Michael Corleone”
A “killer-caller,” a moix. He looks like a good guy, but little by little he shows that he weighs as much or more than number one. do it without falling into internal rubs.The difference with Mr. Nice Guy is that he doesn’t even fall ill to what he ousted.
Example: Charles Leclerc in 2019