Sergio Perez has not had the best run of forms in the 2023 F1 season. The Mexican has been the subject of widespread criticism after failing to come close to the performances put on by his teammate, Max Verstappen. However, Perez is confident that he is capable of getting a good result at the next race in Austria.
Perez has managed to win two races this year, compared to Verstappen’s six. And even those two wins came toward the start of the year. The Mexican’s performance in the last few races has been very disappointing. Things have escalated to such a level that even Helmut Marko spoke about the possibility of Perez being replaced.
Race week!
Good couple of days with the team getting ready for Austria ! pic.twitter.com/tLMFjxGB9j— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) June 27, 2023
Perez is, however, confident that he can find his form back and perform his best at the Austrian GP. He emphasized that he has had good results in the first sprint race of the 2023 F1 season at Baku, and Austria will be the second sprint weekend of the season.
Perez spoke about the importance of the race in terms of it being Red Bull’s home race. He also mentioned the large number of Mexican fans who turn up in Austria to support Perez and how happy it makes him to see the Mexican flag in the crowd.
Sergio Perez is confident in his abilities
Leading up to the Austrian GP, Perez spoke about his main focus for the weekend. He explained that it is very important for him to produce a good result, given his recent run of disappointment.
The Red Bull driver said, “I know how important it is for me to have a consistent weekend and really produce a result, I know I am capable of.”
Perez: [….] I see the Mexico flag, which makes me smile. For me my focus will be on track though because I know how important it is for me to have a consistent weekend and really produce a result, I know I am capable of.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) June 27, 2023
Perez said that since it is a sprint weekend they would have very less time to set up the car, and therefore it will be very important to maximize the free practice sessions.
Perez’s seat might be in jeopardy
There has been a lot of speculation regarding Perez’s seat in Red Bull. With the Milton Keynes outfit signing up Daniel Ricciardo as their third driver, many people believe that the Australian might end up replacing Perez if the latter fails to perform to his level best.
Perez has been miles off from Verstappen’s performance this season. Helmut Marko even ordered the Mexican to stop trying to reach the level of Verstappen and instead focus on his own races.
A mountain to climb 🏔️⏫
Can Sergio Perez narrow the gap to Max Verstappen, or is all hope lost for the Mexican driver? pic.twitter.com/01Rf3Kbs6u
— Autosport (@autosport) June 21, 2023
Perez currently stands in second place in the championship with 126 points, right behind Verstappen who has a whopping 195 points. However, he is being closely followed by Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. It is critical for Perez to have a good race weekend in Austria if he wants to retain his seat at Red Bull.
