Red Bull reveal "compromises" for "sensitive" car

Perez, Red Bull, Australia — Photo: © LAT Images

Australian Grand Prix

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Red Bull reveal "compromises" for "sensitive" car

Ferrari comfortably had the measure of Red Bull in Australia

Ewan Gale

Sunday 17 April 2022 09:30

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Sergio Perez has revealed Red Bull's deficit to Ferrari in the final sector at the Australian Grand Prix was down to "compromises" made to address a "very sensitive" car.

Ferrari and Charles Leclerc were untouchable at Albert Park with the championship leader taking victory over Perez by 20 seconds having secured pole position by almost three-tenths from Max Verstappen.

Both in qualifying and in the race, Verstappen and Perez struggled in the penultimate corner, locking up and losing time.

Asked if this was a Red Bull-specific problem, Perez revealed: "I think it is part of our issue.

"I think sector three was really weak for us and we had to make a lot of compromises for that, which really affected us throughout the circuit.

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"So yeah, it shows in that corner particularly… We are very sensitive, and it's really easy to get it wrong."

Perez praises Hamilton racecraft

Perez was locked in battle with Lewis Hamilton ahead of a safety car period triggered by a crash for Sebastian Vettel.

The Mexican had been jumped by the Mercedes driver at the pit stops and made his way past on warmer tyres, with Hamilton looking to fight back on the run into turn 11 before the safety car deployment brought a halt to proceedings.

"Well, it was a shame they took the DRS out because I think the racing could have been a bit better with it," said Perez when asked about his battle.

"But yeah, it was nice. I think it's always nice to battle Lewis. It's always very hard racing with him - but fair."