Sergio Perez claims “intense” Qualifying not enough to topple pole-sitter Max Verstappen

Sergio Perez will start the Chinese GP right behind teammate Max Verstappen as Red Bull locked out the front row.

Sergio Perez claims “intense” Qualifying not enough to topple pole-sitter Max Verstappen

Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen‘s dominant performance in the 2024 season has been closely followed by Sergio Perez in second. The Mexican driver almost had the pace to potentially outqualify the reigning world champion. However, following some errors, Perez just missed out on the pole position. Hence, the 34-year-old opened up regarding his lackluster performance against his Dutch counterpart.

Sergio Perez made a stellar comeback during the Sprint race of the Chinese GP and secured a P3 finish. During the qualifying for the main race, Perez was almost eliminated in Q1 but got saved barely. Perez reflected that the Q1 session was messy and the subsequent session was complicated as well. However, despite promising performance, the Mexican couldn’t get enough pace to outscore Max Verstappen.

Very intense, I nearly got knocked out in Q1! Just made it through a very messy start to Qualifying. Q2 was mire straightforward, unfortunately in the end just not enough to get Max but it was a tremendous team result.
Sergio Perez said during post-qualifying interview.
YouTube video

Apart from this, the RB20’s dominant pace was quite evident at the Chinese GP. Perez mentioned that the car was tweaked multiple times before the qualifying session to adapt to the conditions. Hence, the main race might help the Red Bulls score a much more comfortable finish at the Shanghai circuit. The 34-year-old also asserted that a 2 start was good to fight for great points down the race.

FS Video
We changed the car a lot to adapt to the conditions so that should help for tomorrow. P2 is a good position to start from everything to fight for tomorrow.
Sergio Perez noted.

Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez aware that he’s ‘out of contract’ beyond the 2024 season

Sergio Perez’s contract will end by the end of the 2024 season. Hence, to score a contract extension Perez will have to score on-par results with Max Verstappen. Christian Horner reckoned that the 34-year-old was aware of his contractual condition in the coming season. As a result, the Mexican was driving to secure his future in the pinnacle of motorsport. According to Horner, Perez responded to pressure in the best way possible.

He knows he’s out of contract at the end of this season so he’s driving for his future, he responds to pressure in the best possible way, certain drivers respond to pressure.
Christian Horner said, as reported by total-motorsport.com.
Christian Horner and Sergio Perez (Via: Imago)
Christian Horner and Sergio Perez (Via: Imago)

Horner pointed out the new ‘frame of mind’ that Perez had equipped for the 2024 season. Additionally, the Mexican driver was focusing on his own performance and not that of Verstappen. The team principal highlighted that he showcased great performance in the first five races of the 2024 season. Hence, the 50-year-old was positive about the 34-year-old’s chances of scoring great results tomorrow.

He’s come into this season with a new frame of mind, he’s relaxed and driving the car really well, not focussing on his teammate, it’s a different approach and I think in the first five races we’ve seen really strong performance from him. So he’s driving well, confidence is growing and hopefully he can convert that into another good result tomorrow.
Christian Horner explained.

The Chinese GP will be a spectacle for all the Red Bull fans around the Shanghai circuit. Additionally, McLaren and Ferrari have been closely following Milton Keynes’ performance. Hence, the top three teams will showcase great racing action in the forefront. The Chinese GP might see a new race winner for the 2024 season apart from Verstappen.

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