To say the past few weeks of the Formula 1 season have been a roller coaster for Sergio Pérez might be an understatement.
Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull announced a new contract for the driver, ending months of speculation about Pérez’s future with the team and the status of the seat alongside Max Verstappen. That announcement was certainly a high point for Pérez.
Sandwiching that announcement, however? A pair of DNFs saw Pérez leave both Monaco and Montreal without any points to show for his efforts. After a difficult qualifying session saw Pérez start the Monaco Grand Prix at the back of the field, an opening-lap collision with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg ended his race before it had a chance to begin.
Then in Montreal Pérez again struggled in qualifying, starting the Canadian Grand Prix back in P16. In the closing stages of the race, Pérez found the barrier and was forced to limp back to the garage before retiring the car.
Previewing this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, Pérez conceded he needs to step up his game.
“Coming into Spain I know I need a successful weekend, after a disaster in Canada.
“Sometimes you are forced to reset a little and we have done that since the last race,” continued Pérez. “I have been in Milton Keynes working with the Team to try and identify where and what we can do better to ensure I am getting the most out of this car. I am confident in the car and the performance we can execute from it, but I need to show that on track better in Barcelona.
Like many prognosticators, the driver believes the circuit in Barcelona should suit the team’s challenger.
“I always enjoy the Spanish GP, it feels a lot like home and everyone makes me feel so welcome,” concluded Pérez. “It’s a circuit I know very well and the RB20 should be quick around this type of track, so it’s down to us to get things right and bring home the result we know we are capable of.”
