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Curing key weakness has unleashed F1 title bid

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The Mexican’s win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix brought him within six points of world title leader Max Verstappen and confirmed him as a true challenger for the title.

Looking back at Baku’s performances, especially the way he controlled the pace up front – as he did in Saudi Arabia – Perez singled out the tire management issues he spent working with his engineers over the winter, which sparked him. A turn of fate.

Plus: How Perez’ claims for F1 2023 title glory really stack up ‘in battle’

“I think one of my weaknesses last year was taking care of the tyres,” Perez said when asked by Autosport about the significance of the Baku result.

“In the winter, I sat down with my engineers and looked at it because I was very disappointed[with last year]- I didn’t have a good race rhythm.

“I think we’ve managed to understand a lot of things and we’ve been better at that this year.”

While Perez has a reputation in the past as one of the best drivers when it comes to tire maintenance, he says those skills are not easily transferrable to the Red Bull car concept.

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, first place, at the press conference

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, first place, at the press conference

Photography: Mark Sutton/ motorsport pictures

“When I came to Red Bull, the way you looked after your team tires was very different,” he said. “So I had to learn a lot about how to take care of Red Bull tires.

“I think in my first year, I got better at the end of the year. But, with the regulations changing, I couldn’t take care of them properly.

“I feel like I’m doing a lot better now. With the knowledge of Red Bull cars, I feel more like a Red Bull driver.”

The progress he has made so far in unlocking what Red Bull needs also convinces Perez that there is still more room for improvement.

“There’s more to it in terms of being a Red Bull driver and the way you drive a Red Bull car,” he said.

“I think once you’re really integrated into a team and you understand the concept of the car, you’re able to make the most of it. It’s only going to come with time, the more time you spend with the team the better.

“But I certainly believe that compared to last year, I’ve made a big step forward.”

Perez said it was not easy to meet a team-mate like Verstappen, which is why he opted for an in-depth analysis of his winter driving.

Asked how he’s getting himself back on track after a tough 2022, he said: “I’m very strong mentally. That’s my biggest strength, and it always has been.

“It’s not easy being a teammate of Max because he’s been playing and he’s been winning. We’ve seen in the past that it’s not easy for teammates to survive.

“I believe in myself, but I have to understand the whole concept of the car very deeply and make sure I’m using the right tools for the fight.”

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Autosport Podcast: F1 Monaco GP review

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The reigning F1 world champion was immaculate on the streets of Monte Carlo while others faltered, most notably teammate and main title rival Sergio Perez, who crashed in the first part of qualifying , only ranked 16th.

Monaco was considered Alonso’s best chance to end Red Bull’s runaway train, but crucial pit stops and timing did not let him down at Aston Martin, although he was still able to score his best finish of the season, finishing fourth. two.

Plus: Why Alonso and Aston made decision to guarantee Verstappen win at Monaco

Alpine’s Esteban Ocon was arguably the star of the weekend, qualifying third and finishing in the same position, his third career F1 podium. The result came at a good time, given the team’s recent tensions.

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Meanwhile, it was another frustrating day at Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz slipping from fourth to eighth, while Charles Leclerc failed to make progress from sixth, while Mercedes It has drawn attention with its major upgrade package and has received positive initial reports from the fleet.

Podcast host Martyn Lee joins Matt Kew and Stuart Codling, who were both in Monaco to witness the action firsthand, and breaks down the Monaco Grand Prix win and loss.

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What time are the sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona?

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Spanish GP week is here. Formula 1 drivers are getting little rest at the moment. The Monaco Grand Prix has just ended and the next race is already planned. In Monaco on Sunday, luxury motorhomes were dismantled and they were on their way to Barcelona (region). There, the Spanish Grand Prix is ​​scheduled for Sunday, home to Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.

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Timetable Spanish Grand Prix | This is when the F1 drivers will be on track

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Spanish GP week is here. Formula 1 drivers are getting little rest at the moment. The Monaco Grand Prix has just ended and the next race is already planned. In Monaco on Sunday, luxury motorhomes were dismantled and they were on their way to Barcelona (region). There, the Spanish Grand Prix is ​​scheduled for Sunday, home to Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.

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