Perez cools expectations despite Red Bull improvement

Ewan Gale
Sunday 7 August 2022 17:30

Sergio Perez has moved to cool expectations after bouncing back from a string of disappointing performances at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Mexican had been in fine form during the opening stages of the season, often matching reigning F1 champion and team-mate Max Verstappen on the timesheets.

A victory at the Monaco Grand Prix put Perez firmly into championship contention but since Red Bull has added upgrades to the RB18, both qualifying and race pace have alluded Perez in comparison to Verstappen.

Two retirements and a lack of confidence in the Red Bull balance-wise mean Perez has only scored two podiums since his win on the streets of the principality, leaving him 85 points adrift of Verstappen.

But Perez's form at the Hungarian GP would have provided optimism for the return from the summer break.

Moving swiftly to cool expectations, he said: "It is good but we are not taking anything for granted.

"We are aware the last couple of races have been difficult from our side, things have changed a bit in the car so we have to understand everything and come back a lot stronger for the triple-header."

Horner hopes for solution to Perez track limits debacle

Perez's messy run of late was summed up by a track limits debacle in qualifying at the Hungaroring, where he was initially stripped of his first Q2 effort before the FIA stewards reinstated the lap after reviewing footage.

Asked how frustrating the continued struggle to police track limits was becoming, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner replied: “I think the drivers have voiced their opinions within the briefing and I think that hopefully, these things will be got on top of a bit quicker.”