Perez makes Red Bull demand after Baku ‘shame’

Sergio Perez is determined to walk away from the Singapore Grand Prix knowing he and Red Bull “did the best we could to win” following the ‘shame’ of Baku. 

After a long period of under-performance, Perez delivered his best performance since China in Azerbaijan, out-qualifying Max Verstappen on merit and looked set to bank a first podium since Shanghai in April. 

However, a late collision with the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz meant his weekend ended with no points as Red Bull lost the lead of the constructors’ for the first time since 2022 with McLaren taking over at the top. 

Perez was given a Red Bull repreive in the summer break after his under-performance, with the hopes that Baku and Singapore – both tracks he has won at – could aid a boost in performance.

The Mexican feels that was delivered in Baku, and is eager to prove a point in Singapore. 

“It was such a shame in Baku for the whole team, so much hard work had gone into getting a more competitive car on track for us and it was really showing,” said the 2022 Marina Bay winner.

“We had the pace all weekend and now it’s about converting that pace into a podium in Singapore. The car has shown it is capable with this package, so we need to get the set-up right across the weekend and execute our qualifying and race plan perfectly. 

“I’ve won in Singapore before, in tricky conditions and, as everyone knows, I love a street circuit, there’s something special about a night race and this one is probably the best there is. 

“On Sunday night I want us to be able to say we did the best we could to win this race and that’s what our full focus will be on from the moment we start work in Singapore.”