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Horner in persconferentie Hongarije

Red Bull suffer MAJOR setback with pitlane start for Qatar GP

Horner in persconferentie Hongarije — Photo: © LAT Images

Red Bull suffer MAJOR setback with pitlane start for Qatar GP

The team have been forced into making several changes after what happened in the sprint

Sergio Perez has been forced into a pitlane start for the Qatar Grand Prix after Red Bull made several changes to his RB19.

The Mexican was involved in a multi-car crash during the sprint, making Max Verstappen world champion for a third time and Red Bull opted to give him a new power unit.

As a result, Perez will have to start from the pits with all of his new components taking him over the season's limit.

Perez had a sprint race to forget after he crashed out to hand the title to Verstappen
Perez had a sprint race to forget after he crashed out to hand the title to Verstappen

Verstappen will at least give Red Bull one car at the front of the field having destroyed the competition in qualifying on Friday.

READ MORE: FIA officially announce MORE Qatar GP changes

Lewis is lurking

Red Bull have not had to contend with any other team all season and yet Perez could well find himself with Lewis Hamilton breathing down his neck heading to the Americas.

The Mercedes man starts third in Losail and if he can get away from the first lap unscathed, could easily score a handy podium and haul of points.

Tyre degradation has been a major talking point during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend
Tyre degradation has been a major talking point during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend

Perez, meanwhile, would need to come roaring through the pack while making a mandatory three stops due to tyre worries from Pirelli.

The gap is only 29 points between the two so the Mexican can ill-afford many more shoddy results, whether they are his doing or not.

READ MORE: F1 Driver Salaries: How much do Hamilton, Verstappen and co earn?

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