Perez: 'Console myself with the thought that we showed good speed'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Sergio Perez probably had higher expectations for the Russian Grand Prix. Apart from Lewis Hamilton, Perez is the only driver to have scored points in all eight GPs in Sochi. He eventually finished ninth and takes in just two points for the constructors' championship.
When it started to rain towards the end of the race, the Mexican decided to keep driving. He eventually entered the pit lane two laps after Max Verstappen for intermediate tyres. The decision came too late, meaning a better result was out of the question.
"On that day, luck was just not on our side. We were on course for the podium, but it was really hard to decide when was the perfect time to change from slicks to intermediate tires. If it was just this light drizzle, then it would be possible to continue on slicks. If it rains harder, then a switch to intermediates is inevitable. In hindsight, we made the decision too late", Perez is quoted on Speedweek.com.
Perez hopes for stronger races
In addition to the late decision at the end of the race, Perez's tyre change earlier in the race didn't go smoothly either. The Red Bull driver lost nine seconds due to the team's slow pit stop.
"There could have been more in this race. But I console myself with the thought that we were able to show good speed and we want to take this momentum into the upcoming races." Indeed, there are a number of circuits coming up that will suit Red Bull's car well, think of Turkey and Mexico.