[Python] Why is max() function so much slower when comparing 2 elements vs direct comparison...

By running the below code I get for direct comparison with an if statement almost 4x the speed vs using the max function.

I am trying to understand the reason behind this.

comparison : 0.63s, max : 2.3s

import time

if _name_ == '_main_':
sim = 10**7

s = time.time()
for _ in range(sim):
if 1 > 2:
pass
res1 = time.time()-s

s = time.time()
for _ in range(sim):
max(1, 2)
res2 = time.time()-s

print('comparison : {:.2}s, max : {:.2}s'.format(res1, res2))

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