By Sergio Silva
27 Jul 2024, 21:02 PM EDT
Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged the great qualifying that the Mexican achieved this Saturday Sergio “Checo” Perez and he pointed out that he can maintain that pace during the Belgian Grand Prix as well as the rest of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The Guadalajara native, who has been going through difficult times due to the poor results he has had over the last three months, managed to stay in second place in the standings behind the Monegasque driver from the Ferrari team, Charles Leclerc.
The 10-place penalty for Max Verstappenwho was the fastest in this Saturday’s session, allowed Leclerc to take Pole Position and “Checo” Pérez to accompany him on the first starting line this Sunday at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
“He’s been totally impressive. He’s been there in every session. I hope this is permanent. He’s ahead of the two McLarens. If he can finish ahead of them as well (in the race), that would be really good.”commented Helmut Marko about the Mexican Red Bull driver.
The words of the energy drink team’s advisor regarding the performance of the Guadalajara native have generated peace of mind in the entourage of “Checo” Pérez, taking into account that Marko will have a meeting next week with Christian Horner, director of Red Bull, to talk about the Mexican’s level.
The former Austrian driver also spoke about the difficult task that Max Verstappen will have starting from 11th place due to the penalty imposed on him and which forces him to have a great race this Sunday in order to be in the fight for the top spots.
“Max was very confident in all the sessions. We are very happy with this starting grid, because surprisingly the McLarens were not so strong in the rain”Marko acknowledged after both drivers from the British team finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
For the Red Bull advisor, Sunday will be a good opportunity to make the most of the Spa circuit, known for its great overtaking possibilities, and in this way the three-time F1 world champion can quickly get into the fight for the top spots.
“I think we can already aim for a podium. We had the right grip in the rain, but I also think we have the top speed to overtake tomorrow”concluded the advisor of the Austrian team that remains at the forefront of the constructors’ classification this season of Formula 1.
Keep reading:
– Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was pleased with Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s seventh place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix
– Sergio “Checo” Pérez denies that his contract with Red Bull has performance clauses that could keep him out of the Austrian team
– Sergio “Checo” Pérez is worried about not being able to figure out his RB20 during free practice ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix