Red Bull pit stop fumble cost one-two - Perez

Ewan Gale
Monday 31 October 2022 00:36 - Updated: 00:37

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.

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."