Perez: Red Bull no longer a one-car F1 operation
As Red Bull’s RB19 emerges as the top contender this season, the championship battle seems destined to be a direct face-off between Perez and Max Verstappen.
The potential for a fierce rivalry was evident at the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Perez narrowly defeated his teammate for the win. However, their contest was somewhat overshadowed by radio discussions about pushing limits.
Although Red Bull has often been perceived as a team centered around Verstappen, Perez believes the dynamics have shifted, providing him with the opportunity to vie for the title.
When questioned ahead of the Australian Grand Prix whether he felt equipped to challenge Verstappen, Perez responded: “I fully believe [that]. Certainly, when I came to the team, things were very different. Basically, they were just going racing with two cars because they had to.“
“Now, I can say that I truly feel part of the team. I feel respected and that I have my place. It’s good for a driver to have that.”
“I genuinely think I have the full support of the team, just like Max, and I’ll have every chance to win the championship alongside him.”
Perez’s title aspirations are further bolstered by the fact that the RB19 appears to better suit his driving style compared to last year’s RB18.
In 2022, Perez’s performance dipped as the team’s efforts to reduce the car’s weight led to handling changes that did not favor his preferences.
“Certainly, I feel more comfortable in the car,” he explained. “I think we learned quite a bit about which direction we took last year, not just with the car itself but also with the setup and how we tried to compensate for the weaknesses it presented. We were just taking performance out of the car.”
Perez mentioned that both he and Verstappen were pleased with the RB19’s handling and shared similar expectations for its development trajectory.
He added: “[Now] we have a very strong car and package, and it’s a car I feel comfortable with and work well with. I also believe I can get the most out of it with the direction we’re taking in development.“
“It’s crucial to stay in the fight throughout the season and have a car that remains competitive under various conditions.”
“Last year, when we started developing the car and put it on a diet, it suited Max more, and the gap widened.”
“Currently, we both request the same things. In these first races, our balances have been very close, and we’ve asked for similar adjustments. So, in that regard, it’s a good thing for now.”