"I wouldn't take such disrespect if I was Checo": Fans react to Formula E co-founder's open invitation to Sergio Perez

F1 fans were left enraged when Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo claimed that the doors were open for Sergio Perez to participate in the series.

The Red Bull driver endured a really tough 2023 campaign despite finishing a career-best P2 in the drivers' championship. He finished 290 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen, registering two victories and two pole positions in 22 races.

Many suggested that he should leave the Austrian team to salvage his career, with Longo speaking to AS claiming that the Mexican driver could join the Formula E series if he wanted. He said:

“I constantly talk to Checo and I hope he makes a leap to the real competition. Formula E is your home, it will have its doors open and it is welcome."

F1 fans took to social media to react to Longo's comments. One fan claimed that if they were Sergio Perez, they wouldn't have taken the 'insult', writing:

"Formula E is your home, damn. I wouldn't take such disrespect if I was Checo."

Here are a few more reactions:

Sergio Perez previews Max Verstappen challenge in the 2024 season

Sergio Perez admitted that it would be a challenge to topple Max Verstappen in the title fight in the 2024 season.

The Mexican driver pointed out that winning the championship was his 'main target' after securing the runners-up spot in the previous year. He said (via F1.com):

“That’s the main target for me because I’ve already finished second. My main interest is to do one better. I’m aware of the challenge that it is, we’ve got to take this winter time to try to start the season on a high and be able to maintain that level of consistency throughout the season.”

He added:

“There are things you learn from [Max]. I have the best reference out there because he was the one who was so competitive, so I think there’s no harm in looking at what he’s doing, how he’s doing it, and trying to learn and improve.

"[You can] see what works for you, what he’s doing differently to you. I’ve always had a very open approach and I think it’s something that works well.”

Sergio Perez will want to make a sustained title push in the 2024 season and will be hoping he does not encounter the same issues with the Red Bull RB20 that he did with RB19. The Mexican would want to make the most of his time with the world champions in the last year of his current contract.