Sergio Perez and his Red Bull Racing team engaged in extensive simulator work to overcome recent performance challenges. After a series of frustrating race weekends, Perez aimed to regain the strong form he showcased earlier in the season. The unique sprint race format at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, presented its own challenges.
During the COTA weekend, Perez’s opportunity to adjust his setup was limited, as per sprint race rules. However, he made impressive progress, climbing from seventh on the sprint grid to fifth in the sprint race itself. In the main race, he started ninth and climbed to fifth, eventually moving to fourth following Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification.
Despite these gains, Perez acknowledged areas that needed improvement. He identified the hard tire’s performance as a limiting factor and indicated that adjustments would be necessary. He emphasized that the team had to make several setup compromises during the weekend due to limited practice sessions.
Perez expressed his satisfaction with the progress made through simulator work, considering the challenging circumstances. He mentioned that there was untapped potential in the car, and he hoped to demonstrate this potential at his home race in Mexico City.
While discussing his performance improvements, Perez attributed them to both setup changes and a different approach to the race weekend. He acknowledged that earlier in the season, discrepancies between simulator data and on-track experiences had led to the team taking incorrect directions.
Looking ahead to the Mexican Grand Prix, Perez expressed his belief in the team’s potential, despite not fully showcasing their pace in Austin. He intends to bounce back and perform strongly in front of his home crowd.
Regarding the Formula 1 World Championship, Perez recognizes the challenge of holding onto second place against Lewis Hamilton. Although he has expanded his lead over Hamilton following the latter’s disqualification, Perez remains focused on continuous improvement and anticipates a competitive battle in the remaining races.
Perez’s determination to improve and contribute to Red Bull’s progress is evident. He aims to make the most of the last four races of the season and believes the competition will intensify. As the championship nears its conclusion, fans can expect an exciting contest between Red Bull and Mercedes.
