F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Perez: Ferrari ‘just not reachable’ for Red Bull in Monaco

Sergio Perez felt that F1 rival Ferrari was “just not reachable” for Red Bull based on the opening day of running at the Monaco Grand Prix and Charles Leclerc’s leading pace.

The local hero topped Friday’s second practice with almost a 0.2s margin over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilto, while championship leader Max Verstappen was fourth in the pecking order, 0.535s adrift from Leclerc, while Perez was P8.

Perez had previously suggested that the Principality’s unique characteristics might pose a challenge for Red Bull's car. Unfortunately, this concern materialized throughout Friday practice.

Both Red Bull drivers complained of their bumpy ride, the lack of compliance of their car’s suspension inducing severe instability on a hot lap as the RB20 struggled to cope with the track’s bumps and bounces.

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s SF-24 appeared unchallenged by the uneven and jerky track, leaving Perez thoroughly impressed and concerned.

"Ferrari at the moment are just not reachable," Perez said. "I think they're really strong and whenever they need the lap, they just seem to put it on really easy, really quick.

"It's something that is quite a benefit around this place, to be able to put the lap in quick and whenever you need it to, and don't struggle so much with tyres and that sort of thing.

"They're looking very strong at the moment."

©RedBull

The Mexican driver felt that Red Bull has its work cut out to change its current trajectory in the Principality.

“It’s going to be tough,” he said. “I think our limitations are really hard to get away from them at the moment, and the ride.

“So we’ll see what we are able to come up with tonight. We run two cars slightly different. I don’t know what the issues for Max were.

“So plenty of things. The long-run pace seems to be in a better condition, but obviously it’s just too late. We just have to wait and see.

“I think we’ve got a few items that we need to be able to improve. And then hopefully it can put us back in the fight, and just be closer to the top. I think it’s looking tough at the moment.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

12 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

13 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

17 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

18 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago