Soldato
Exactly. I think there's two issues with Perez though, it's not just him being a bit naff. RB have, and always will develop the car towards Max's style -- so that also makes the gulf in ability look much wider.
But like you say, if Merc and Ferrari (and Mclaren) are even slightly closer this season then Perez is going to be totally embarrassed, very quickly. Hamilton nearly took P2 off him last year in the third/fourth fastest car...
Perez is a good driver, not a great one who could quickly adapt to a car that required him to change his driving style.
Hamilton or Alonso would have on Verstappen’s gearbox by the second race weekend if they’d been given the second RedBull seat last year.