Red Bull is desperately expecting more from Sergio Pérez
Newcomer at Red Bull in 2021, Sergio Perez is trying to keep up with Max Verstappen's pace. If the Mexican seems to be doing better than Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon in this number 2 role, the big bosses at Red Bull would like to see him move quickly to the front of the pack.
Sergio Pérez’s 2021 season will not be the easiest, if his experience speaks for him, the expectations of his managers will only become more and more demanding.
Author of a good start to the season, Red Bull wants to see its number two driver fighting more often at the front.
At the start of this Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen seemed to have done the hardest part by overtaking Lewis Hamilton right at the first turn of the race. Indeed, the Barcelona track is not where overtaking is the easiest and victory seemed possible for the Dutch driver.
But with a very good race pace and helped by a teammate lagging behind, Lewis Hamilton was able to pull out of his hat the famous two-stop strategy, already used in 2019 during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The advantage provided by the British driver’s new set of tires left no chance for the temporary Dutch race leader. With seven laps to go, Lewis Hamilton had no trouble overtaking Max Verstappen to race towards his third victory of the season.
Indeed, it is Mercedes’ strategy, coupled with impeccable driving, that ended up burying Max Verstappen’s hopes of victory. Unlike his competitor, Red Bull’s team leader could not rely on the support of his teammate during the race, much to the dismay of team principal Christian Horner.
I think things are falling into place for Sergio Perez. Saturday was a difficult day (editor’s note: due to a shoulder injury) and following Daniel Ricciardo compromised his race. Obviously, he didn’t manage to climb back up on a track where overtaking is rare.
We desperately need him to be in front so that Mercedes doesn’t have any strategic alternatives. I am convinced that as time goes on, Checo will find more confidence on board the car.
On his side, Max Verstappen showed some annoyance on the microphone of the Dutch channel Ziggo Sport:
« I tried to manage my race and my tires as best I could but we are slower and we wear out our tires more than Mercedes.
At some point, you don’t have any chance anymore. And I am still alone in this fight. So, Mercedes drivers can easily make an additional pit stop because they are ahead of the other drivers. This does not help.
The pressure will be even greater on the shoulders of the Mexican driver, who must deliver a flawless performance on the streets of Monaco for the next Grand Prix. The twisty circuit of the principality should favour Red Bull, which have a shorter wheelbase and more effective aerodynamic downforce than Mercedes.
