Perez explains sudden Red Bull change of plans

Sergio Perez has detailed Red Bull's change of plans that saw him drive the entire second day of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The Mexican was originally scheduled to take part in the morning session before handing duties over to teammate Max Verstappen in the afternoon.

Perez was then set to take on the entirety of running on Friday as Verstappen was behind the wheel all day on Wednesday.

However, Thursday morning's session was cut short by a loose drain cover which caused damage to Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.

To offer more time to Perez, Red Bull altered its plans and gave him a full day with Friday's schedule now split between the two drivers.

“It was unexpected to be in the car all day today but the delays meant my early runs were cut short,” said Perez.

“The team decided to extend my day and I am back in the car again tomorrow morning.”

Perez confident over gains

Perez enters the new campaign hoping to enjoy a stronger season compared to last year as a series of underwhelming performances led to questions being asked about his future within the team.

Red Bull's dominant year saw it win 21 out of 22 races, however, 19 of the wins went the way of Verstappen.

Perez is confident that Red Bull has taken a step forward having made significant changes to its car over the winter break.

“Generally speaking, I think the RB20 is a step forward for the team and we have gone in the right direction for us,” he said.

“It is a tricky track here from morning to afternoon, dialling in set-up and getting to understand those different set-ups because the track is changing on every outing, so you must base a lot on your feeling.

“I have been working over the winter on understanding last season from a personal perspective, in order to start the season on an upward curve.

“You are always learning and always want to get better and that’s no different for me in 2024.”