F1 News: Sergio Perez On Japanese GP Qualifying P2 - 'Really Close With Max Verstappen'

Sergio Perez felt he was much closer to Max Verstappen's performance in Japan.

May 7, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Red Bull driver Sergio Perez (11) of Mexico celebrates on / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Sergio Perez secured a front-row start for the Japanese GP tomorrow, narrowly missing pole position to Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. The Mexican driver felt he was extremely close to the three-time F1 champion, with only 0.066 seconds between them, and could have secured pole position had he had a better opening lap.

Key Takeaways:

• Sergio Perez clinched P2 in the Japanese GP qualifying, marking his first front-row start since last July.
• Perez described the qualifying session as particularly challenging, especially towards the closing laps.
• Despite not securing pole, Perez remains optimistic about his performance and the team's improvements for the race.

Oracle Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is interviewed in the paddock area at Circuit of Americas on / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

The Japanese GP qualifying session saw Perez come tantalisingly close to snatching the pole position from his teammate, reigning champion Max Verstappen. The Mexican driver reflected on the session, noting the difficulties posed by the circuit, particularly in the final sections. He explained during his post-qualifying interview, as quoted by Sky Sports F1:

"It was close today, really close with Max.

"It felt like a good lap.

"It was quite tricky out there actually, especially closing out the laps. It was quite easy to lose a couple of tenths into the last section and into the chicane, so we hooked it in all together. Unfortunately, it was not quite enough."

The quest for pole position was a topic of contemplation for Perez, who felt that the weekend's performance had been evenly matched between him and Verstappen. A slight misstep at the beginning of his lap, according to Perez, might have been the critical factor that kept him from pole position. Nevertheless, Perez remained positive about his starting position and the team's potential for the race.

"We have been really close all weekend, qualifying as well, and when you are in that little margins anything can make a difference.

"I didn't have a great exit opening up the lap so for me that could have been the difference, but we are in a good position for tomorrow.

"Our long-run pace wasn't that strong this morning but we worked quite a bit and so hopefully tomorrow we will be able to be strong."