Sergio Pérez says he is ahead to fight for the Formula One podium after qualifying fourth for the Italian Grand Prix.
Sergio Pérez says he is ahead to fight for the Formula One podium after qualifying fourth for the Italian Grand Prix.
Pérez played in Monza’s standings, beating Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in fourth place and qualifying only for Carlos Sainz’s McLaren.
The Mexican has taken the podium eight times in his F1 career and is confident he can take advantage of his strong starting position.
“It’s a smart start for us Array, so I hope we can start with a smart start. I think everything we’ve done, we’ve focused a lot on the race, so I think we’re definitely going to fight for the podium.
“We are surprised . . . Array, we didn’t expect this level of classification. Everything we did was aimed at the race, so we deserved to have a stable speed during the race. “
Racing Point on the weekend hoping to fight with his low-support outfit, as he did at Spa last time, but Perez is sure he can fight for a podium on Sunday.
“We haven’t been that strong all weekend,” Perez said. “I think the team has done a job, progressing.
“They ran a grade, consulted by query, we took a few steps. Being up there in a smart position means we can definitely be in the podium fight.
His teammate Lance Stroll would be in eighth position and not very happy with his performance.
“He’s not that smart, ” said Stroll, There were definitely positions lost today, so frustrated by that. Where did he fight?” Just put it all away. [I made] mistakes. It wasn’t a smart consultation for us.
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