Sergio Perez's Secret Weapon for a Stellar 2024 F1 Start - How He Mastered His Red Bull to Challenge Verstappen
Red Bull's Sergio Perez has kicked off the 2024 Formula 1 season with an impressive edge, attributing his newfound consistency to avoiding the 'vicious circle' of constantly trying to outshine teammate Max Verstappen.
Last season, Perez had a rollercoaster ride that started with two wins in the initial four races but then spiraled into a dramatic slump. By the end of the season, he was a staggering 290 points behind Verstappen. However, the Mexican driver regained his momentum in the final rounds and has carried this form into 2024, securing three podiums in the first six races.
The Subtle Tweaks Making a Big Difference
Perez has made noteworthy changes to his approach, particularly in his car’s set-up. He emphasized that avoiding excessive experimentation with his car’s configuration before each race weekend has been crucial. 'Our start set-up is a lot better, and then we can move around from there. I think that way you have a stronger weekend,' Perez explained.
These modifications are not sweeping changes but refined adjustments that have had a significant impact. 'Very smooth tweaks to my accommodation on my side have made a tremendous difference,' he noted. These subtle but crucial adjustments have allowed Perez to start each round on a stronger footing.
The Mental Game: Overcoming the Vicious Circle
Perez admitted that the intense desire to overtake Verstappen led to wrong set-up choices, further exacerbating his issues. 'When you have a teammate like Max delivering weekend after weekend and you keep struggling, you get into a vicious circle,' he said, highlighting how this affected his mental state.
The key to overcoming this, according to Perez, is maintaining a strong mental outlook. 'You should probably just reset and keep your head in a strong place because it can be tough at times,' he advised. To compete at Red Bull, he added, one must possess a 'very strong head.'
Looking Ahead: Win Drought Doesn't Faze Perez
Despite his consistent performance this season, Perez hasn’t clinched a race victory since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last April. In contrast, Verstappen has added 21 victories to his tally. Yet, Perez remains unperturbed by this win drought.
'The win will come as long as I deliver on the weekends,' Perez asserted. He emphasized the importance of consistent, solid performances. 'I'm still in the fight in the championship. I haven’t lost much ground.'
Perez is focused on maximizing points every weekend. 'If it’s a solid weekend in P2, P3, P2, I’m going to be in the fight, especially with how the season is going,' he said. His main concern is not necessarily winning every race but maintaining a steady accumulation of points to stay competitive in the championship.
With a more measured approach to set-up and a robust mental game, Sergio Perez is strategically positioned to make significant strides in his quest to challenge Verstappen this season. His disciplined focus and subtle adjustments are paying off, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 Formula 1 season.