For the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell proposes a “surprise” competitor.
After a solid practice performance, George Russell thinks Sergio Perez can be a contender for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Perez drives for Red Bull.
After a dismal run of form in which he has only scored 15 points in the last six races, Perez’s future has been questioned.
Throughout the Hungaroring weekend, the Mexican driver will also be driving a different car configuration than Max Verstappen. All of Perez’s big upgrades are still present on his RB20, with the exception of the sidepods and new engine cover that are being tested on Max Verstappen’s vehicle.
Though Perez was only two tenths of a second slower than Verstappen in free practice two, he nevertheless finished second to Lando Norris despite running his fastest lap on the medium C4 tires rather than the soft C5 ones.
Russell, the lead Mercedes in fifth place with Lewis Hamilton in seventh, was intrigued by this performance.
Russell remarked, “I am excited to see what we can do and I think anything can happen.” “We’ll be competing for the top four spots once more.
It would come as a bit of a surprise to have a fight there as well, as Checo appeared to be rather speedy. He moved quite quickly.”
Another Mercedes shortfall
Mercedes has been competitive in recent races, winning and securing pole positions thanks to modifications that enhanced the W15’s performance.
Russell did point out that Mercedes appeared to be playing catch up, a characteristic he believes needs further examination given the warm weather and high air temperatures on Friday in Hungary.
“We definitely got more laps in than most in the long runs across FP1 and FP2, the McLarens are looking really quick and to be honest, Lando is flying at the moment,” he stated.
“Max doesn’t seem to be too far behind, and there may have been a power differential between the two during qualifying. However, Max and Lando appeared to be somewhat ahead of the pack during the race.
“We must comprehend that while we were behind those two drivers in the sweltering temperatures of Austria and Barcelona, we outperformed them in the milder circumstances of Silverstone and Montreal.
“It is something we need to work on.”