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Formula 1 2023: Bahrain GP BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, BAHRAIN – MARCH 04. Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, and pole man. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, in the post. Qualifying press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the. Bahrain GP at Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday March 04, 2023. Sakhir, Bahrain. (Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images) Images) PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2301_162817177A6485
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Formula 1 2023: Bahrain GP BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, BAHRAIN – MARCH 04. Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, and pole man. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, in the post. Qualifying press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the. Bahrain GP at Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday March 04, 2023. Sakhir, Bahrain. (Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images) Images) PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2301_162817177A6485
Red Bull are the only hope for Formula 1 fans right now. This is precisely because the Milton-Keynes-based outfit is a country mile ahead of its closest rivals. Hence, any hope of a championship battle will be in the hands of the dominant team. In the past, however, the team didn’t really have two strong drivers. That’s why Max Verstappen ran away with all the accolades. But in 2023, Sergio Perez plans to change the status quo.
During today’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez built up a commanding lead against Verstappen. He then went on to win the race as well, finally announcing his arrival at the championship battlefield. However, while he basked in glory, there was trouble brewing in the Red Bull garage.
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After the race today, team principal Christian Horner insinuated that Perez had “gotten lucky” during the Safety Car period. But the Mexican would believe there to be no luck, only skill and determination involved in today’s victory. This gives a better context of Perez’s following words.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia – March 30, 2023 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez ahead of the Australian Grand Prix REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
He told El Mundo, “I’m here to be champion. That’s my goal. Maintaining a good relationship with the team is important, but there will be a time when I will think of myself. To be perfect. Against him, I can’t leave anything on the table. Max always maximizes the potential of the car, so if I go to 99.99%, it will not be enough.”
And while Perez may have signaled his championship intentions today, he also has another ace up his sleeve.
Sergio Perez’s championship to be decided by Pirelli
One thing that Perez is revered in Formula 1 for is tire saving. He’s been dubbed to have the best tire management skills in the whole F1 grid. However, after suffering in this department last year, Perez has proven himself a wily old fox.
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BAHRAIN – Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing on the podium after the Bahrain Grand Prix. It is the first race of the 2023 Formula 1 season. ANP SEM VAN DER WAL F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023 xVIxANPxSportx/xxANPxIVx 464252250 originalFilename: 464252250.jpg
In the same interview, Perez divulged, “I have to be at my best level in all the races. Last year it was difficult for me to understand the degradation with these new generation tires and now I have it well.”
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Can Sergio Perez defy all the odds to dethrone Max Verstappen at Red Bull?
Written by
Edited by
Varunkumaar Chelladurai