Pérez Explains Gap to Verstappen: ‘He Had a Better Package’

Sergio Pérez finished seventh during the United States Grand Prix held at the Circuit of the Americas. Initially qualifying in tenth position, the Mexican driver was notably behind his teammate, Max Verstappen, who set the second-fastest time on Saturday. This performance adds to Pérez’s ongoing struggle to keep pace with Verstappen, although “Checo,” as he is affectionately known, argues that he had a less competitive car in Austin.

Performance Disparity: A Closer Look

Red Bull Racing rolled out several new upgrades for the RB20 at the Texas circuit. However, Pérez indicated that these improvements were not ev.comy distributed between the two cars, suggesting that Verstappen’s vehicle was significantly more advanced. “We did not have access to the same package,” the 34-year-old driver stated in an interview with Sky Sports. “I can’t pinpoint the exact differences, but it was clear that our cars were worlds apart in performance.”

Tough Weekend for Pérez

Reflecting on the race weekend, Pérez acknowledged that it had been a challenging series of events. “We faced difficulties all weekend long,” he continued. “Things didn’t flow smoothly at all. Thanks to a favorable setup, we managed to make some progress, but our overall pace was rather low. A thorough analysis is necessary moving forward.” The Mexican racer identified specific upgrades that Verstappen enjoyed, such as a new floor edge and an upgraded engine cover. These enhancements were conspicuously absent from Pérez’s RB20. As he gears up for the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix, it remains uncertain whether he will receive any new parts.

Constructor Championship Implications

“As of now, we don’t really know,” he said regarding future upgrades. “Our supply of parts is dwindling. We need to fully understand this floor specification first. Therefore, it might be more prudent to wait before upgrading my car, so for the time being, it’s crucial that I continue giving my best for the team.”

As it stands, Pérez occupies eighth place in the drivers’ championship with 150 points. In stark contrast, his teammate from the Netherlands fiercely defends his lead with 354 points—over twice as many. This significant gap is also painfully apparent in the constructors’ standings. While McLaren continues to gain ground, Ferrari is inching closer, having reduced the gap to Red Bull to just eight points.

The Road Ahead

The upcoming races promise to be pivotal for both drivers and teams. As Pérez and Red Bull race towards the Mexican GP, several questions loom large: Will the performance differences between the cars be addressed? Can Pérez regain his competitive edge? The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. With the constructors’ championship tightly contested, all eyes will be on how Red Bull navigates the challenges ahead.