SUMMARY
- Sergio Perez's impressive sprint race maneuver secures podium spot amid intense competition at Chinese Grand Prix.
- Fans and Formula 1 community laud Perez's strategic overtake, highlighting his improved performance.
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez displayed impressive racing skills to snatch a podium position during a dramatic sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Mexican driver found himself locked in a fierce battle for third place with Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc. However, Max Verstappen went on to secure the pole spot.
The race unfolded with the reigning world champion and Lewis Hamilton establishing an early lead, leaving a fierce battle for third place wide open. Perez, on the other hand, was being pursued by his rivals to make it to the podium. The two Ferraris driven by Sainz and Leclerc were engaged in a one-on-one battle, as Alonso held stubbornly to P3.
Checo’s double overtake on Alonso and Sainz.. Wow.pic.twitter.com/kfIOUn1hNd
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) April 20, 2024
Seizing his opportunity, Perez pounced on the chaos and capitalized on the mishaps. He quickly navigated the situation and overtook both Sainz and the now-damaged Alonso on the long 0.87-mile DRS straight. This decisive maneuver secured him a well-deserved P2 and a significant advantage over the clashing Spaniards.
Sergio Perez earns praise from fans for overtake at Shanghai
Aside from highlighting his racing experience, Perez and his performance in China also brought attention to the close race for spots behind Verstappen and Hamilton, the two dominant drivers. While the Mexican is still under threat of losing his spot at Red Bull, his recent showing has been appreciated by the Formula 1 community as well as fans.
A fan who goes by the username (@Viscountkrew) wrote, “Man I was cheering on the top of my lungs when Checo did that overtake, that was absolutely phenomenal” on X. The driver has been under constant scrutiny due to his poor showing at qualifying events in the 2023 season. However, Perez has shown signs of improvement as he maintained podium spots, except the Australian Grand Prix.
A large chunk of the comments from fans were optimistic. A user (@yap_to_survive) wrote, “Bring on the new contract now”. The encouraging messages from the fans highlight that they wish to see Perez behind the wheel for many more years.
Christian Horner reveals Sergio Perez thriving without focus on Max Verstappen
Sergio Perez has thrown his hat into the ring after a stellar 2024 season, and the Red Bull driver lineup for 2025 is a heated issue. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hails a critical mental adjustment for Perez’s outstanding finish. With three podium finishes in just four races, Perez is demonstrating his ability to consistently challenge for the top spots.
Sergio Perez was hoping to have his #F1 future beyond 2024 sorted in the “coming weeks”.
But Christian Horner says Red Bull “doesn’t need to make a final decision until much later in the year”. pic.twitter.com/lFxvBpHZCQ
— The Race (@wearetherace) April 19, 2024
While speaking to Sky Sports, Horner stated, “You guys have a tendency to write him off but he is doing a great job. He has come into this season with a new frame of mind, he is relaxed, and he is driving the car really well. He is not focused on his team-mate, it is a different approach, and in the first five races we’ve seen a really strong performance from him.”
The team must decide whether to keep the driver on board or look into the wide range of skilled candidates in the driving market for 2025. Due to his latest upward trajectory, Sainz has been on the Red Bull radar. However, no official statement has been revealed as of today.
