Sergio Perez - Teamwork important to topple "favourites" Mercedes

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen — Photo: © LAT Images

Russian Grand Prix

Perez - Teamwork important to topple "favourites" Mercedes

Mercedes has dominated the Russian Grand Prix in previous years

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 22 September 2021 18:07

Sergio Perez has outlined the importance of teamwork within Red Bull ahead of a Russian Grand Prix weekend where he believes Mercedes start as "favourites".

The Mexican has unselfishly helped out team-mate Max Verstappen in recent times, gaining praise from team principal Christian Horner for providing the Dutchman with a slipstream in qualifying at Monza.

Eight races remain in the championship with Verstappen leading Lewis Hamilton by five points and as the end of the season draws closer, Perez highlighted the effect teamwork would have on the final result.

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"It is very important we help each other out and try to get the most from each weekend for the team," said Perez.

"Especially as we come towards the end of the season where there are less races to capitalise on."

Red Bull will "give it our best" to beat Mercedes in Russia

Sochi has become a Mercedes stronghold since joining the schedule in 2014 but Perez has not given up hope of defeating the Silver Arrows this weekend.

"Mercedes have won every race at Sochi since 2014 so they're the favourites this weekend," explained Perez.

"They're definitely going to be hard to beat but like always we will give it our best.

"Sochi is a track I like because it is very technical, fast and fluid which I think makes qualifying quite exciting."