Sergio Perez drops perfect meme after Yuki Tsunoda loses to Lando Norris

 Sergio Perez once again became the center of the F1 internet universe, this time without even turning a wheel. As the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP reached its highest-pressure moments, Yuki Tsunoda’s inability to hold off Lando Norris created a seismic ripple across the championship storyline. And waiting right on cue was Perez, the sport’s beloved “Minister of Defense,” responding with a meme that fans instantly hailed as “perfect.”

Tsunoda, now in Max Verstappen’s former support role at Red Bull, came under scrutiny after failing to keep Norris behind during a tense battle at the same corner where both drivers were under investigation for separate incidents. 

Norris had momentarily gone off-track as he overtook Tsunoda, while Tsunoda was investigated for forcing the McLaren driver wide. Ultimately, Norris avoided a penalty, while Tsunoda was handed a five-second penalty, a massive boost for McLaren and a pivotal moment in Norris’ title push. 

The incident revived old comparisons, especially because Perez built his Red Bull legacy on legendary defensive drives, the very moments that earned him the nickname “Minister of Defense.”

Sergio Perez Reacts With One Word, and the Internet Explodes

Soon after the race, an F1 meme account posted an image of Thanos saying, “Perhaps I treated you too harshly,” a playful callback to how many underestimated Perez’s defensive craft during his Red Bull years. Perez reposted it with a single word that detonated across social media: “Perhaps.”

The timing, tone, and context made it an instant classic. 

To fans, it was the perfect combination of self-awareness and subtle shade. Perez didn’t name Tsunoda directly, he didn’t have to. The moment spoke for itself. 

It didn’t help that Red Bull initially replaced Perez with Liam Lawson at the end of 2024, only for Lawson to be demoted afterward and Tsunoda to step into his seat. Now, after Tsunoda’s difficult season and this critical missed defense, the contrast to Perez’s past heroics was impossible to ignore. 

Timing Adds Extra Drama: Perez Returns in 2026, Tsunoda Steps Down

The meme sting grew sharper because of what lies ahead for both drivers. 

Perez is set to return to the grid in 2026, partnering with Valtteri Bottas as Cadillac joins F1 as the sport’s much anticipated 11th team. It’s a fresh chapter for a driver who has always thrived under pressure and responded best after being doubted. 

Meanwhile, Tsunoda’s future takes a very different turn. He is losing his race seat for 2026 and will transition into a reserve and test driver role, replaced by rising talent Isack Hadjar. The Abu Dhabi moment, and the ensuing online reaction, only highlighted how fragile his position had become.