I think there are enough good drivers there that given a great car can fight Verstappen at least in the same level of performance of Hamilton and I would keep in this list,Leclerc,Sainz,Russell,Alonso and Perez,they just don't have a winning car except the case of Perez as I don't know why he must suffer the complex of inferiority against Verstappen,probably because the team does not support him as much as they do with Verstappen.
Nevertheless we need a team capable of performing not the same as Redbull,even a bit less but to be near them and it is up to the drivers then to show their skills in beating Redbull even with not the best car,we had the McLaren 1998-2000 era where they beat Ferrari even being the second best car thanks to Mikka Hakkinen.
Yeah Perez has the same car with Verstappen according to Red Bull's words. But still he can't be competitive enough in this rivalry. Of course Red Bull care about Verstappen more and this is a reason indeed. Because there is a hierarchy in the team. The drivers are not seen equal like it is at Ferrari. Apart from that Perez has started to make individual mistakes as well recently and this also caused the gap to get even bigger in the championship.
For example the simple mistake in Monaco qualifying session.
The Red Bull automobile's formidable prowess has certainly forced Mercedes into a chase. Nonetheless, let's remember the multitude of talents lining the grid, which due to a lack of sufficiently equipped vehicles, remain underexplored. Ponder this, with an optimum automobile, Alonso, Perez, and others could stand neck-and-neck with Verstappen. Hamilton and Verstappen are undoubtedly proficient drivers, yet we shouldn't overlook other skilled contenders. Much like a prudently biding pack of wolves, they merely require the right juncture to leap into action! Is the prospect of a sequel to the Hamilton versus Verstappen duel truly desirable?
Of course I don't intend to overlook the other very skilled drivers. We never know what they are capable of until having a strong car like Verstappen has now. But I just wanted to evaluate the situation considering the past of the sport. Hamilton and Verstappen names have been the ones ahead of the others in the recent years.
Alonso is doing really great with Aston Martin and I would really like to see Perez being replaced with Alonso honestly. Because Perez is more prone to make simple mistakes considering the recent times.