Sergio Pérez achieved his best result so far this season by finishing second behind Charles Leclerc on Sunday at Melbourne ‘s Albert Park Circuit.
The Mexican driver started from third position and was overtaken by Lewis Hamilton in the first corner, but was able to return the maneuver to get into podium positions. Finally and after the abandonment of Max Verstappen, Checo crossed the checkered flag in second place.
It was Perez ‘s first podium this year, having been on the brink of the opening two races, but a last-lap retirement from the Bahrain GP and an ill-timed safety car during the Saudi Arabian GP had prevented him from finishing between the first three.
Checo’s performance did not go unnoticed by the heads of Red Bull, who appreciated that the Mexican had stood up for the team after Verstappen ‘s abandonment.
“Checo had a great race and was right up there with Max. He lost a position at the start, but because it was a sensational start from Hamilton,” said Marko.
The Austrian also commented that they had considered doing the fastest lap with Pérez : “But it was a lost cause, as Leclerc was more than a second faster,” he said.
Marko also praised the Mexican driver’s performance in qualifying this season, which was his biggest weakness last year.
“That is what we expect from him. Today we are happy that Checo was able to at least finish second,” concluded the Red Bull adviser.
Christian Horner , director of the energy drinks structure, also praised Pérez’s good performance in the third round of the championship in Melbourne .
“I think Checo had an exceptional race. Once again he was unlucky with the safety car, but you know, he made an impressive pass on Lewis at the high-speed chicane, and then obviously he had to pass Fernando. Alonso and George Russell to get back on the podium. So it’s been a great comeback,” Horner told Sky Sports .
With second place in the Australian Grand Prix, Sergio Pérez moved up to fourth place in the drivers’ championship with a total of 33 points, 38 behind the current leader, Charles Leclerc .
