Perez had to let Verstappen overtake, but 'doesn't see it as team orders'

22 May 2022 at 17:00

GPblog.com

Sergio Perez had hoped for his first ever Formula One victory in Spain. The Mexican came very close, but in the end, the strategy on which Max Verstappen was set by Red Bull proved to be the better of the two. In the end, he had to settle for second place, his third podium finish of 2022.

When Perez was asked by Sky Sports if perhaps he shouldn't have been on the top step of the podium Sunday afternoon, he answered honestly, "I think so. Especially at the beginning when I gave the position to Max thinking I'd get it back later. But then we swapped strategy. He went for 3, I went for 2. Frustrating from my side at the moment but it's a great team result."

Perez now understands Red Bull's choice

It marked the second one-two for Red Bull this year. Moreover, the Austrians now lead again in both world championships. "That is something I am pleased with. There are a few things we will discuss internally. When you're driving you don't understand the bigger picture. I think it's a normal thing." Christian Horner also indicated that Red Bull's choices with have been quite logical, but that it is understandable that it feels somewhat unfair to Perez.

Perez is happy that Ferrari's momentum seems to have shifted towards Red Bull. "The team momentum couldn't be any better. It's a great team, we are very united. I wouldn't say team orders. At the time, what changed my race was that I went for the two and Max went for the three," he concludes.