Sergio Perez explains "aggressive" Dutch GP qualifying error

Perez, Red Bull, Dutch, Zandvoort, 2022 — Photo: © LAT Images

Dutch Grand Prix

Perez explains "aggressive" Dutch GP qualifying error

Perez triggered yellow flags that halted rivals' progress

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Saturday 3 September 2022 21:30

Sergio Perez has conceded the spin that effectively brought his Dutch Grand Prix qualifying to an early end was due to an over-zealous application of the throttle.

The Red Bull driver was attempting to improve on his fifth position when he dipped a wheel into the gravel at the penultimate corner and spun before coming to a stop on the inside of the Zandvoort track.

Lewis Hamilton had been on a lap that would have troubled Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc on the front row but the yellow flags caused by Perez ended this chance.

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"It was a shame," said Perez. "I was on a good lap and as I was picking up the throttle, I went quite aggressive, kissed the gravel and just lost the rear end, unfortunately.

"It was a good three-tenths [of a second up] on my previous time so I could have got another tenth, tenth-and-a-half which would have put me P4, P3 maybe.

"It is what it is and tomorrow, hopefully, I am able to have a strong start and just go with the lead early on and be in the fight for the race."

Perez "chasing" performance all weekend

Perez has struggled to make an impact at Zandvoort, with team-mate Verstappen ahead by a clear margin in the practice sessions.

Whilst a sizeable gap remained in qualifying, the Mexican enjoyed an improved session compared to Friday's running but conceded: "It hasn't come that easy, we have been chasing it quite a bit this weekend.

"It has been a harder weekend for us than it was in Belgium so we will try our best tomorrow to make sure we are able to maximise everything.

"The track layout, characteristics and track temperatures, they don't play into our favour as much as in Belgium."