Red Bull pit stop fumble cost one-two - Sergio Perez

Mexico City Grand Prix

1 reactie

Red Bull pit stop fumble cost one-two - Perez

Perez was held for twice the time of a normal stop

Ewan Gale

Monday 31 October 2022 00:36

Sergio Perez believes Red Bull's pit stop issue at the Mexico City Grand Prix prevented a one-two finish with Max Verstappen.

The home hero finished third behind team-mate Verstappen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after fighting past George Russell on the opening lap.

Perez was the first of the front-runners to stop at the end of lap 23 but for the second weekend in a row, Red Bull experienced a slow stop, this time with the rear-left tyre sticking when being removed.

Article continues under video

It was this five-second hold that the Mexican believes cost him the chance to better Hamilton for the runner-up spot.

"I gave my best at the start," insisted Perez.

"Unfortunately, we had a bit of a bad stop which prevented us from undercutting Lewis and overtaking is difficult so once I was behind him, it was difficult to follow so I had to stay in third."

Russell was left flat-footed by an attack from team-mate Hamilton, with Perez pouncing and making his move around the outside of turn four.

Asked if this was crucial to his race, Perez replied: "Yeah, definitely.

"Because of how difficult overtaking was today, that was key.

"I thought we would be a bit closer but it didn't work out for us today but still, it is a good podium in front of this crowd.

"I wanted more today but third is still ok."

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

FIA chief claims F1 engine changes were blocked, and fans will hate the reason why

1 hour ago

Oscar Piastri brutally honest over McLaren Norris relationship: 'We crossed the line'

1 hour ago

Aston Martin vibrations force Alonso and Stroll to visit the dentist - F1 insider

2 hours ago

Will Miami Grand Prix be cancelled? Lightning threat poses risk to F1 race

Today 19:52

Max Verstappen reveals his racing limit: 'A risk I'm not willing to take'

Today 18:57