Sergio Perez aims to ‘convert’ Red Bull’s pace for a podium at Singapore GP after last-minute crash in Baku
Sergio Perez is hoping for a podium finish at the Singapore GP after a last-minute crash at the Azerbaijan GP left him empty-handed.
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)
Red Bull has been on a rough patch of form as the team has been struggling to finish in the upper half of the points-scoring positions. However, the Azerbaijan GP saw Sergio Perez take up the team leader’s role while Max Verstappen struggled with the RB20. The Mexican was on course for a podium finish when his race ended on the penultimate lap following a crash with Carlos Sainz.
Leaving the unfortunate race behind, Sergio Perez aims to get a podium around Singapore and take the trophy home to Milton Keynes. He is regarded as the king of the streets among the F1 fanbase. The Mexican has a peculiar driving style which often helps him on traditional street tracks.
Moreover, the races around Baku and Singapore are considered Perez’s favorites as he has had multiple victories and podiums at both circuits. However, the 34-year-old’s race at Baku went up in flames as he crashed with Carlos Sainz right at the end. While another podium was within touching distance for Perez, he has now turned his attention to Singapore and is looking to utilize the pace of the RB20 and showcase his strengths by getting a podium.
It was such a shame in Baku for the whole team, so much hard work had gone into getting a more competitive car on track for us and it was really showing. We had the pace all weekend and now it’s about converting that pace into a podium in Singapore.Sergio Perez said in an interview
Perez explained that Red Bull’s hard work was paying off around the street circuit as seen by his pace. He acknowledged that his crash ended a promising race and is now focused on the next race on the calendar, stating his intentions to bag a podium around the five-kilometer circuit in Singapore.
Max Verstappen gives his take on Red Bull’s chances around Singapore
While Sergio Perez was fighting for the podium, Max Verstappen struggled with the front end of the car and remained below the top five for most of the race. Despite the ominous evidence, he has remained faithful in the Horner-led squad and is optimistic for the race in Singapore.
The reigning champion asserted that he would have a better day around in Singapore owing to the improvements made by the team.
We learned from what we did wrong in Baku and will try a few different things in Singapore. The adjustments we initially made in Azerbaijan worked out well and with that we worked in the right direction. We now know what we can do even better to further optimise the setup. It will be important to get better control of the car, especially in the slower parts of the track, so it doesn't 'jump around' as much.Max Verstappen said in an interview, as quoted by RacingNews365
The Dutchman elaborated that Red Bull‘s efforts in Baku had resulted in some improvements which had made the RB20 more obedient to his driving style. Regardless, he remained realistic and hoped that the car would not become his biggest enemy as the track in Singapore features high curbs, which the 2024 challenger is notoriously famous for not being able to deal with well.
Besides this, Verstappen has never won in Singapore and the Red Bull’s performance is no way near the front. This means victory in the night race at Marina Bay might stay on the 26-year-old’s bucket list for a little bit longer.
Geetansh Pasricha
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