Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
F1

Marko heaps praise on Perez for Sprint Shootout revival

Sergio Perez caught Helmut Marko's eye with an impressive performance in the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint Shootout, having run used Soft tyres in the SQ3.

Marko
Article
To news overview © Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has heaped praise on Sergio Perez after the Mexican took third on the grid for the São Paulo Grand Prix Sprint.

Perez has struggled for form this season and has found himself under pressure to keep his seat in F1, despite Marko and Team Principal Christian Horner consistently reaffirming he has a contract for next year.

Strong pace on Friday was undermined by the freak storm that hit Interlagos to leave Perez ninth on the grid for the Grand Prix, but he rebounded well in the Sprint Shootout to secure third, within a tenth of teammate Max Verstappen despite running used Soft tyres for his best effort.

"Perez was very fast," Marko told Sky Germany.

"You mustn't forget he drove with a used set because he didn't want to risk a new one. So, he will certainly be strong in the race."

Verstappen well positioned for Sprint

Verstappen was left to rue errors on his lap after being narrowly pipped to pole for the Sprint by McLaren's Lando Norris.

Addressing the Dutchman's effort, Marko said: "He didn't get corner 4 and corner 10 right and with such a tight field, that's noticeable.

"But I think it will be a very close, exciting race. In terms of tyres, I think we are very well positioned. You know Max isn't the biggest fan of the sprint format, but I think that suits us."

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and claim your chance to win F1 cale models and caps

SUBSCRIBE & WIN

F1 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix RN365 News dossier

Join the conversation!

x
LATEST Hamilton set for early Ferrari F1 debut