Verstappen on second drivers: They can't live in a fairytale world
Max Verstappen believes that drivers taking the role of a number two at a team must "accept" their position.
The role of a second driver is seen as one that supports the team's main championship challenger. Often they will sacrifice their position in the race to enable the number one driver to get close to their championship rival, similar to Sergio Perez at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Valtteri Bottas was on the receiving end of being called a "wingman" to Lewis Hamilton during his period at Mercedes, despite being in similar championship-winning machinery.
"At a certain point, you realise that it won't happen again. He understands that," argues Jos Verstappen, speaking on Viaplay .
"Bottas had that opportunity with Mercedes for many years, and now he drives for Alfa Romeo. I think he is on his last stint in Formula 1.
"If you're part of a championship team, you go for it and try. After a few races you realise that ...