Sergio Perez, long remembered for his decisive role in Max Verstappen’s 2021 title win, has re-entered the spotlight after a viral reaction to Yuki Tsunoda’s failure to hold off Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi. The lap-23 clash drew major scrutiny as both drivers fell under FIA investigation, setting off intense debate across the F1 community. Norris completed the controversial overtake between turns five and six, prompting claims he gained an advantage off-track, while Tsunoda was accused of erratic defensive movement.
The stewards’ verdict only fuelled the storm. Tsunoda received a five-second penalty for multiple changes of direction, yet Norris was cleared despite leaving the circuit during his pass. This uneven outcome immediately sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning why one driver was punished while the other walked away untouched. Online discussions erupted as fans debated whether Tsunoda’s defence fell short—or whether Norris should have been equally sanctioned.
Amid the uproar, some Red Bull supporters expressed longing for the defensive brilliance of Sergio Perez, whose wheel-to-wheel resilience once shaped a championship outcome. Perez himself subtly joined the conversation when he reposted a meme portraying him as Marvel’s Thanos—complete with his iconic line, “Perhaps I treated you too harshly.” His amused one-word reaction, “Perhaps,” paired with a laughing emoji, quickly went viral and amassed over 187,000 likes, cementing its place in the weekend’s drama.
Perez’s legacy in Abu Dhabi 2021 remains a defining chapter in modern F1 history. His dogged defence against Lewis Hamilton allowed Verstappen to close the gap and later seize the title—earning him praise from both Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner. They hailed his strategic brilliance, relentless aggression, and readiness to sacrifice his race for the team, with Horner calling him an essential part of Red Bull’s victory.
Looking ahead, Perez will return to racing in 2026 with Cadillac, joining forces with veteran Valtteri Bottas as the team enters its debut Formula 1 season. As discussions around Abu Dhabi 2025 continue to swirl, Perez’s timely and humorous comeback reminds fans why his defensive legend still resonates whenever championship battles turn chaotic.
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