Formula 1 heads to Miami for the fifth round of the 2023 season.
Red Bull Racing achieved a significant feat at the Chinese Grand Prix, taking its 100th pole position with a front-row lock-up. Team principal Christian Horner praised the efforts of the entire team on a historic day and assessed Sergio Perez’s functionality on the weekend.
The qualifying consultation for the Chinese Grand Prix became a celebratory occasion for Red Bull Racing, as Max Verstappen took pole position, leading the team’s 100th pole in Formula 1. Alongside him, teammate Sergio Perez overcame a difficult start to reach a safe second, making it a top-tier domain for the energy drink giants.
Verstappen, fresh off a win in the Sprint race, seemed unfazed during the tension of qualifying, leading the standings and setting impressive lap times in each and every qualifying round.
“After the Sprint race, it gave us more concepts for the car and I think the car performed even better in qualifying,” Verstappen said. “I’m satisfied with how qualifying went. The car was excellent to drive and also in Q3 that last lap felt pretty decent.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez faced a tense Q1, struggling at the start and narrowly managing to move into 15th place. This tricky start forced the Mexican driver to recalibrate his strategy, which paid off in the following sessions as he progressed. up to P2.
“It was very intense. I almost got knocked out in Q1. I had traffic with one of the Williams, I had to impede my lap, I came back with hot, worn tyres and qualified in P15. “It was a very confusing start in qualifying,” Perez admitted after qualifying. “Q2 was a bit easier, I could feel the balance and we made smart progress in the session.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was visibly extremely happy with the team’s performance and highlighted the historic significance of the day. Horner was instrumental in orchestrating the team’s methods and was quick to thank the entire team for their relentless pursuit of excellence.
“It was a very smart Saturday for us. To get that win in the Sprint race this morning and then pole position with Checo on the front row as well. “
Given that the Mexican driver will renew his contract with Red Bull at the end of this season, this assessment from the team boss will be good news for the driver.
“In Q1 the track was moving fast and we were lucky to make sure we were in the cut [with Perez].
“Checo is doing a job. He comes into this season with a new mentality.
“He’s relaxed, he’s driving well and his confidence is growing. He’s not concentrating on his teammate and that’s another focus. “