Perez blames 'unacceptable' Red Bull issues for Verstappen's F1 title advantage

03 May 2023 , 06:00

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Sergio Perez beat Max Verstappen to victory in Baku (Image: HOCH ZWEI/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

Sergio Perez said the "unacceptable" car problems he experienced in Melbourne are the reason why he does not currently lead the Formula 1 drivers' standings.

The Mexican has started the season strongly and has matched team-mate Max Verstappen in terms of races won. They have both stood on the top step of the podium twice in the first four races, with three of those being one-two finishes for the dominant Red Bulls.

The exception came at the Australian Grand Prix. Verstappen won in Melbourne but Perez could only manage fifth place after starting from the back of the grid as a result of a spin in qualifying, which he blamed on a mechanical issue.

Speaking after that race weekend, Perez told reporters: "It was really bad, very bad weekend. What happened on Saturday, it's totally unacceptable. We have to get to the bottom of it because I felt that we had a really good weekend up to [Saturday].

"We worked so hard preparing the Grand Prix and then that just put us back completely we lost all the confidence. And then I think definitely we had the basic fight for the victory today, but finishing in P5 is damage limitation."

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Perez made up for it last weekend in Azerbaijan, showing his prowess on street circuits to take victory in both the Sprint and main race. That result prevented Verstappen from opening up a gap at the top of the standings, but the Mexican remains dissatisfied with the fact he is in second place.

Max Verstappen remains top of the championship standings despite Sergio Perez's Azerbaijan success (Getty Images)

Asked if he genuinely believes a title challenge is on the cards this year, Perez said: "I think with having three kids at home, I wouldn't be travelling the world if I didn't believe that I could be a world champion, and I'm working towards that.

"But, obviously, there is only so much you can say outside of the car, I think it's important to deliver on the track. I think without all the issues that we had in qualifying in Melbourne, we should be leading the championship. So, definitely there is everything to believe that we can do well.

"I'm fighting for [the championship], but I also know that it's a massive road ahead, so I I need to keep my head down and just keep delivering."

Daniel Moxon