Perez Silently Mocks Tsunoda's Failed Title-Deciding Block

Tsunoda's five-second penalty for weaving while blocking Norris exposed a stark contrast with Sergio Perez's title-winning defensive drive in 2021—a difference not lost on Perez himself, who responded to an Avengers meme about his treatment with a pointed "Perhaps 🤣".

Why it matters:

In championship-deciding moments, split-second defensive decisions can alter titles. Perez's 2021 rearguard action against Hamilton—executed cleanly within regulations—directly enabled Verstappen's maiden crown. Tsunoda's failed attempt, meanwhile, underscored Red Bull's precarious reliance on second drivers during critical races, raising questions about Tsunoda's readiness for high-stakes team orders.

The details:

• Starting 10th on hards, Tsunoda had a clear opportunity to replicate Perez's 2021 role by delaying Norris's fresh-tyred McLaren, which was chasing Verstappen for the 2025 title.
• Red Bull explicitly instructed Tsunoda to "do all you can when he catches," but his weaving maneuvers triggered a penalty when Norris went off-track avoiding contact—a stark contrast to Perez's textbook 2021 defense that cost Hamilton 7.8 seconds without infractions.
• Critical difference: Perez used strategic DRS zone positioning and legal line choices to slow Hamilton while staying within racing guidelines, whereas Tsunoda made "multiple changes of direction" the stewards deemed unsafe.
• Tsunoda claimed he was merely breaking the slipstream—a tactic allowed only when the following car is sufficiently distant—but stewards noted Norris had to leave the track to avoid collision.
• Missed opportunity: Had Tsunoda held Norris for just two more laps, Charles Leclerc's Ferrari (1.6s behind) could have pressured the McLaren, potentially reshaping the title battle.

Between the lines:

Perez's social media reaction speaks volumes about Red Bull's internal dynamics. His 2021 performance—sacrificing his own race (retiring later due to engine strain) to secure Verstappen's title—set a benchmark Tsunoda couldn't match. The incident highlights how second drivers' championship contributions are measured not just in points, but in split-second decisions under pressure.

What's next:

Tsunoda's error intensifies scrutiny of his 2026 seat as Red Bull evaluates alternatives. With Verstappen's dominance continuing, the team's focus will shift to ensuring its second driver can execute critical team orders flawlessly—a standard Perez established but Tsunoda failed to meet. As one engineer noted: "In title deciders, there's no margin for interpretation—only perfect execution."