Perez on Verstappen's chances: 'I do expect him in the front'

Due to drive shaft problems, Verstappen dropped out of qualifying during Q2. The Dutchman, who had by far the fastest time in practice earlier in the day, will start the race from 15th place. Still, Perez expects Verstappen to be able to work his way to the front to give the team important points.

"I think we certainly have a good race car, it's where probably we are a little bit better than the competition," Perez analysed. "But yes, it depends. so many things can happen in a race, you know, but I do expect him to come back. Our car, our race pace, was very strong on Friday, so we'll see. Hopefully for the team, we are able to come back and get maximum points because these weekends are very important. The competition, it's only going to get closer."

'Red Bull is in a class of its own'

Fernando Alonso, who will start from second place, does not expect to fight Perez or Verstappen. " I think on pure pace, I think Red Bull is in another league," acknowledges the Aston Martin driver. "And I think we have to concentrate more on the teams behind. So Ferrari will be very strong. Mercedes, they are strong, and also Alpine, they are fast here. So I think our race is just behind us. "