International media: 'If justice exists, Perez must go to Red Bull'
Red Bull Content Pool
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The international press states that Mercedes made a major blunder in the Sakhir Grand Prix. At the same time, the world media award Sergio Perez his first victory in the premier class of motorsport. The 30-year-old driver made a cast-iron impression and that did not go unnoticed.
Auto, Motor und Sport (Germany)
"Sergio Perez won a race that George Russell should have won. Mercedes mixed up the tyre at the pit stop and thus single-handedly thwarted the Brit's success. Esteban Ocon was second in a turbulent Grand Prix, ahead of Lance Stroll. Perez Didn't let the victory be jeopardized in the final part of the race. The Mexican used his routine and took more than ten seconds away from his closest attacker. Racing Point even got to cheer twice, as Stroll also took a podium place.
Sky Sports (Great Britain)
"The Mexican - who remains without a drive for 2021 despite playing a starring role this season - qualified fifth here but dropped to 18th and last on the race's first lap after being spun around by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in a Turn Four incident that also saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen, a likely victory contender, crash out. Pitting at the end of that first lap, Perez brilliantly brought himself into play with a surging 46-lap stint on medium tyres. Into third before he second pit stop, he passed several rivals on his return to the track - including team-mate Lance Stroll - and inherited the lead when the Mercedes drivers hit trouble."
L'Equipe (France)
"A week after losing a podium place due to engine problems, Sergio Perez took revenge on the Sakhir circuit by winning his first race, after 190 F1 starts. And in what a way. After being the victim of a botched action by Charles Leclerc, he kept his faith, already in 11th place after 11 laps, falling back to ninth after the tyre change and then climbing back to the top, overtaking Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon, among others. In lap 64, he no longer relaxes and also benefits from George Russell's flat tyre, who was slowly but surely closing in. At the moment when Red Bull seems to be in doubt between him and Alex Albon for the next season, today to a large extent going in his favour. "
Marca (Spain)
“Yes, it was due to several inexplicable mistakes by Mercedes, which switched Russell's tyres with Bottas' at the last stop. It forced the Brit to stop once more when he had the win at hand. But Pérez deserves it afterwards. Ten seasons in which he managed to be on the podium ten times with cars that are actually not capable of that at all, like with Sauber or Force India. If there is any justice, Perez must play for Red Bull in 2021 after this strong weekend. "
La Gazzetta Dello Sport (Italy)
"The value of Checo's victory is almost inestimable. Perez, using the safety car, went into the pits for a tyre change. What followed was a great comeback. Mercedes' mistake cleared the way for him. With a sabbatical year ahead. him, there could not have been a more worthy winner."
This article was written and originally published by Corwin on the Dutch edition of GPblog.com.