Perez knows why Japanese GP was mediocre: 'We learned a lot'

Sergio Perez has arrived in Qatar in good spirits. The 33-year-old driver is not in the best form of his career, but he thinks he and Red Bull have figured out why things did not go as hoped a fortnight ago in Japan. In Qatar, at least another podium finish should be in the cards.

"Asia wasn't good for me at all. Singapore didn't, and neither did Suzuka. But I think we've learned a lot regarding what went wrong in Suzuka. So I do expect to be in a much better position this weekend," Perez interjected ahead of the weekend at the International International Circuit.

So what exactly was lacking during, say, the Japanese Grand Prix? The veteran seems to imply that the lacklustre performance was not directly down to him. "It's mainly the direction we took with the setup of the car. Now looking back at it, we do understand what went wrong. And I really hope that we are able to have a much more straightforward weekend here."

First World Championship title of 2023 is in for Red Bull

Despite two weaker weekends on the Mexican's side of the garage, there was still a celebration at Suzuka on Sunday. Red Bull won the constructors' title for the second time in a row. Perez does not necessarily feel differently about it than last year. "No difference at the end of the day. It's great to keep that momentum going in the team. I think that has been something incredible to achieve as a team."

Perez's next statement is perhaps an unusual one, as he states, "Last year was more difficult because Ferrari definitely had a faster car than us, at least for more than half the season." Ferrari won "only" four races. "Last year was harder to get because certainly, Ferrari had a faster car than us for at least half of the season. And we still managed to get it. But the way we got this one, I think with a more dominant car, they're just different. But at the end of the day, they mean the same."