Sergio Perez has been decent in the start to the 2024 season compared the final half of last season. But he is yet to score a race win unlike in 2023 season, when he had won a race the same time. The 34-year-old missed out on the pole position by a mere gap of 0.066s to Max Verstappen at the Japanese GP. After the session he revealed crucial mistakes during the hot lap that caused him to lose out on the pole.
Max Verstappen and plenty of others went a bit wider on the turn to gain a few meters extra of a straight path. Sergio Perez revealed that he didn’t have a good exit during opening the lap. This made all the difference for the 34-year-old. The Mexican driver narrowly missed out on the pole position. Regardless, Perez asserted that the team was in a good position for the main race in Japan.
I didnt have a good exit opening the lap, so that can make the difference. I think we are in a good position for tomorrow. Sergio Perez said.
Apart from this, Sergio Perez pointed out how the long-run pace didn’t look good for Red Bull on the Suzuka circuit. But the team took crucial learnings from the FP3 session and worked over the issues. This enabled both drivers to secure a much more comfortable start for the coming race on Sunday. So, the Japanese circuit would likely be a smooth-sailing victory for the Milton Keynes squad.
Our long run pace didn't look good, but we did some work this morning to improve. Sergio Perez noted.
Sergio Perez happy being ‘close’ against Max Verstappen at the tricky Japanese GP qualifying
The two Red Bull drivers were very close to each other in terms of pace and performance in the Qualifying session. Perez revealed that he was close and on par with Max Verstappen after scoring a ‘good lap’.
It was close today with Max, it was a good lap. It was tricky out there. Sergio Perez said.
Apart from this, Sergio Perez reiterated that his Dutch counterpart and himself were very close to each other in terms of performance. However, Verstappen scored better in little margins over Perez and scored a better qualifying than the Mexican driver. Regardless, the two drivers will showcase great racing action and aim to maximize results after scoring a one-two finish in Suzuka.
We've been close all weekend and in those little margins anything can make a difference. Sergio Perez asserted.
Red Bull crew has a great chance of eliminating competition from the rival teams early on in the 2024 season. Hence, Milton Keynes would need to minimize errors and ensure that the two drivers are provided with the best opportunities to score a win. Verstappen’s previous DNF in Australia has taken a massive hit at his championship lead over the rival drivers.
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