Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Sergio Perez fought back after a tough start to help Red Bull secure a first 1-2 to start the season in the history of the team.
The Mexican fell back after a poor getaway, forcing him to spend the early stages of the race locked in behind Charles Leclerc, in spite of having DRS.
He managed to fight back with an aggressive double stint on the soft tyres, thanks to running longer in the first stint of the race than all his main rivals. It ultimately helped him to jump ahead of Leclerc, who eventually retired with an engine issue.
Pleased with his recovery post-race, he said “It’s a great start. If we look back at last year and how we started here, it’s really it’s nice.
“Today the start put me out of contention for the race, but finishing second is the maximum I could do today. I think I’m getting closer (to Verstappen) every session.”
Following a dominant 2022 season, Red Bull have yet again burst out of the blocks in a positive light by scoring 43 out of a possible maximum 44 points, setting their drivers up excellently for the rest of the season.
Perez showed his appreciation as he said: “It’s a nice comeback as a team. We work really hard over the winter. So, it’s great to see all the boys enjoying the first race.
“We have a strong package. It was important today to get both cars until the end.”
His next chance for a victory will be at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in two weeks time, as he looks to challenge his team-mate Max Verstappen in a two-horse race for the time being.
