Perez sees potential to improve one lap pace of RB16B

Sergio Perez was satisfied overall with his opening day of running at his home race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, despite a troubled start to his race weekend and a one-lap pace that needs improvement.

The Mexican hit the track in FP1 spurred on by a massive and clamorous crowd, but the Red Bull driver's presence in the session was short lived when he was caught out by the dusty conditions and clouted the barrier in the stadium complex.

A broken wing that led to a lengthy replacement job led to Perez missing almost half of first practice.

There were no troubles in the afternoon session however which the local hero concluded in fourth place, 0.570 s behind his teammate and pacesetter Max Verstappen.

"It was a shame that we damaged the car and we put a bit of extra work to the boys, but other than that it was a positive day," commented Perez.

"I’m feeling more comfortable in the long run than over the one lap, so I think there's still potential to improve the car over one lap.

"Margins are going to be very close tomorrow with the Mercs, so hopefully we are able to lock out that front row."

• 2021 Mexico City GP Free Practice 2 - Results

Despite Max Verstappen's comfortable margin in FP2, Perez cautioned against jumping to any conclusions regarding Red Bull's performance relative to its Mercedes rivals.

"It's not a representative day," said Perez. "I think tomorrow it will be even closer. It will be interesting to see."

Finally, Mexico City's favourite son was grateful for the local support he is getting from a legion of aficionados.

"Yeah, it's great to have so much support," he enthused. "I mean, to see everyone here being so enthusiastic and pushing me hard…

"Every time I bring the car to a stop, I can hear them, and it's only Friday. Very grateful for the support."

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