Perez fearful of Ferrari challenge to Red Bull in Monaco

Sergio Perez has admitted that the Monaco Grand Prix will be a difficult weekend for Red Bull as he expects a severe Formula 1 challenge from Ferrari.

Red Bull have five wins from five Grands Prix (plus one sprint win) to start 2023, and look set to win both titles as Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been unable to keep pace.

Part of the superiority of the RB19 has been its anti-dive front suspension which has allowed Perez and Max Verstappen to maintain a constant aero load through corners, but comes at the cross of a lack of feel across the front tyres - in other words, making it difficult to get heat into them.

The other strength of aero efficiency and DRS power will also be minimised, with Ferrari's SF-23 machine perhaps being the best car on the grid in slow corners, and the Aston Martin AMR23 being about as good as the Red Bull through the corners.

There is also the unknown of Mercedes - who have finally unleashed their huge upgrade package for the W14.

And Perez is sure it will be a difficult weekend for the team.

Perez on Red Bull threats

"We certainly know that this is not our strongest circuit, we still struggle a bit to show our strengths," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"But it's still Monaco, I think come Saturday, you really need that good warm up on your tyre, that is definitely a key around here.

"You just have to say that it is not our strongest circuit, but we will see. It's Monaco and anything can happen.

"Certainly I do expect Fernando [Alonso] and the Ferraris to be quite strong as well - like they were in Baku and obviously over one lap around this place, they will be strong.

"So I do expect them to be quite strong, and also Mercedes can be in the mix.

"Monaco is one those circuits that if you make a mistake, you will end up in the wall.

"There is no margin for error, and Sunday can be quite boring for the fans, but not for the driver.

"Because at any point, you can make a mistake and finish your race - I think we will all enjoy Saturday when we have to qualify and know that everything counts."