Christian Horner hails "mighty" Checo Perez pole in Saudi Arabia

Horner en Marko van Red Bull — Photo: © LAT Images

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Horner hails "mighty" Perez pole in Saudi Arabia

Red Bull boss full of praise for Mexican's sublime drive

Paul Macdonald

Saturday 26 March 2022 21:30

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Christian Horner described Sergio Perez's performance as "mighty" as the Mexican's thrilling final lap secured his debut pole for Red Bull in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

It appeared as if Ferrari was destined for a front-row lockout after a stunning lap from Charles Leclerc edged him in front of team-mate Carlos Sainz at the end of Q3, only for Perez to snatch top spot in the dying moments.

With F1 champion Max Verstappen lining up fourth, Red Bull go into the race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit sandwiching the Ferrari duo on the grid for Sunday's race.

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Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner could not hide his delight at the performance of the Mexican whose joy was palpable over team radio.

He said: "I'm just so pleased for Checo. He's worked harder than ever and that was mighty.

"The Ferraris put down such a competitive marker and for Checo to go and do that - I think it's only the second time he's out-qualified Max [Verstappen] - and to put in a lap like that here, it's an unbelievable performance from him.

"The car this year is more suited to his style, it's not as quirky as last year's car. He's done a great job there.

"Saturdays, by his own admission, have never been the strongest part of his armoury. He's always come alive on race day.

"To deliver that kind of performance, at this circuit, will do him the world of good and we just need to convert that into a result tomorrow."

Horner praises Red Bull team performance

Horner added he was delighted the performance of the team was beginning to provide results so early, pointing to the fact Ferrari had switched attention to the 2022 regulations earlier than they did.

"Ferrari, their car has been so competitive," added Horner. "They started early on this project.

"We put a lot into last year and for all the guys and girls back in Milton Keynes to get a pole position in round two with these new regulations, the recovery in the time they've had available has been staggering."