The Red Bull driver put up an inspired performance in Jeddah to take the pole position for the Saudi Arabian GP
Sergio Perez failed to register a timing in the Bahrain Grand Prix after spinning on the final lap but he did make up for it in Jeddah. Perez took the pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with a qualification time of 1:28.200, milliseconds ahead of Charles Leclerc’s timing of 1:28.225.
The Mexican pulled off a late shock in the final round of qualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP, edging past Charles Leclerc by two-hundredths of a second. Ferrari’s Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took 2nd and 3rd positions respectively while Perez’s team-mate Verstappen settled for fourth place.
Sergio Perez was evidently delighted with the result. Speaking after the qualifying run, Perez said, “It feels amazing. We come from a difficult weekend in Bahrain and the team has been pushing so hard back home in Milton Keynes, everyone is really positive and pushing hard so extremely happy for that.” He further added, “I think the level of risk and getting into that rhythm and precision was the key. If there is a place you want to be on pole it’s this one, because you know you nailed the lap and you’ve got the perfect lap altogether.”
Perez will be looking to claim his third F1 victory on Sunday. “Get a good start and try to control the race from there. It’s going to be difficult because the Ferrari’s are going to be quick, Max is going to be there in the mix. So, we’ve got a long race ahead of us but I am confident that tomorrow we can also come out on top”, said a jubilant Perez.
Perez has two Formula One victories to his name – Sakhir in 2020 and Baku in 2021. However, this is the first time ever that he has taken the pole position for a Grand Prix. It was Perez’s 215th attempt at taking the pole position, the longest in F1 history and he has finally succeeded. Checo Perez is the first Mexican driver in F1 history to take pole position.
Perez was thrilled with the wild final lap that helped him clinch the pole position. “It took me a couple of races. But, what a lap man! It was unbelievable. I could do 2,000 laps but I couldn’t beat that one”, said an elated Perez.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was delighted with the finish and lauded Perez for his efforts. “I’m just so, so pleased for Checo. After 215 races, it’s incredible. He’s working harder than ever and that lap was mighty. He has done a great jobe there”, said Horner.
It will be interesting to see if Sergio Perez can convert the pole position finish to his third ever F1 race win on Sunday!
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