Can Perez play a role in the title fight? 'He has a lot of confidence now'

Sergio Perez managed to get pole position in Jeddah for the first time in his long F1 career. In his first year with Red Bull Racing, he continually was unable to beat Max Verstappen in qualifying, but with this season's new cars, Perez seems to be settling in well. His first pole position therefore gives him hope for the rest of the season, expects Mika Hakkinen.

According to the two-time world champion, the Mexican is currently getting everything out of his Red Bull and seizing every opportunity. Last year he was sacrificed for Verstappen's chances in the world championship, but this season could be different if Perez continues to perform like he did in Jeddah.

Perez at ease with Red Bull

Hakkinen explains in his column on Unibet that Perez will head towards the next Grand Prix in Melbourne with a lot of confidence. "I think Checo can take a lot of positives away from this weekend. it will give him even more confidence to have put that first pole position behind him". After all, it took 215 races, a record.

Perez's pole position was another unique achievement, as Mexico is now the 23rd country to have a driver on pole position. So Red Bull has a car that not only Verstappen can do well with this season, but Perez too. Hakkinen thinks that this season they will fight with Ferrari for who will be world champion. Mercedes will be eager to catch up, but according to the Finn, Red Bull and Ferrari will already be much further along in their development when Mercedes has solved their problems.