Perez hints at Verstappen-beating pace in Miami

Sergio Perez has hinted he had the pace to challenge team-mate Max Verstappen for pole position at the Miami Grand Prix.

Perez is set to start the race from fourth on the grid, behind Verstappen and the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

The closely-fought contest saw just two-tenths of a second separating the top four drivers.

Speaking to Viaplay, the 34-year-old pinpointed a moment during his fastest lap that stripped away any chance of securing a higher result.

"It could have been anywhere, really, but I lost it in Turn 8,” Perez said.

“I went over the kerb and I lost some time there unfortunately. I think definitely, at least a front row was on the cards, probably a little bit more than that.

“We just didn't maximise the full potential.”

'Target is to beat Ferrari'

Perez has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 campaign, scoring three second-place finishes as well as a run to third in China.

As he aims to continue his strong season in the hope of retaining his seat at Red Bull for 2025, the Mexican is looking to another top-three finish in Miami.

“That will be the target, to get through them quickly and try to do our own race,” Perez stated, referring to the Ferrari pair ahead of him.

“I think that will be the key for us.”