Jack Plooij Believes THIS Mercedes F1 Driver Should Replace Perez Next to Verstappen

Many would assume that Sergio Perez’s first half-season at Red Bull was spectacular. The Mexican has one win and one podium under his belt so far this season. However, acclaimed F1 reporter Jack Plooij thinks otherwise and feels that Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas will fit perfectly alongside Max Verstappen.

Plooij thinks that the team advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, should look at the Finnish driver as a possibility to partner alongside. He thinks that Bottas is an ideal teammate and will work well alongside the Dutch driver.

Red Bull should go for Valtteri Bottas instead of Sergio Perez says, Plooij

Looking back at the first half of the season, Plooij shares his thoughts with Motorsport.com. The Dutch reporter feels that Perez had poor first half compared to Bottas. Hence, he urges Marko & Co to consider the Mercedes driver as a potential teammate to their team prodigy.

Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 19, 2021 Third placed Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas during the press conference after qualifying FIA/Handout via REUTERS

He said, “Maybe they put Bottas next to Verstappen, no idea, but I don’t think Helmut Marko is retar*ed. He’s not crazy, he just keeps looking like: ‘Who do we need besides Max?’ The ideal second driver is Valtteri Bottas after all. Then why wouldn’t you get it?”

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Marko doesn’t see Mercedes’ Bottas coming to the team

The number 77 driver is out of his contract at the end of this season. Hence, he might look elsewhere on the grid to secure his future for the 2022 season. However, the Milton-Keynes based outfit have shut their doors, and Marko thinks that Williams is the only possibility for him, as thereare talks going on to have a swap for George Russell.

Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – May 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas before the race Pool via REUTERS/Gabriel Bouys

Speaking to Sport1, Marko said, “Bottas doesn’t have to call us. “There’s no room. I can only imagine a swap with Russell. I think Williams will be the only option for him.”

However, the second half of the season is still set to go underway. Can we see Perez step his game up for the rest of the season or will Bottas have the edge over him? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

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