Perez proud of own performance: 'Another very consistent weekend'

In Australia, Sergio Perez managed to grab his first podium finish of this season. Max Verstappen's retirement moved him up to second place, behind an unapproachable Charles Leclerc. In Imola, both Red Bull Racing drivers will be hunting down the Monegasque, who heads to the Italian circuit with a huge lead.

Perez explains in Red Bull's preview that he at least takes a lot of confidence from his season start. "I am looking forward to getting back in the car this weekend. It was a mixed few days in Australia for the Team but for me I managed another consistent weekend, after my pole and fourth place in Jeddah. I am pleased with how I have been performing so far and getting on the podium for the first time this season in Melbourne was a step in the right direction."

Perez in good form at Red Bull

So far, the Mexican has scored 30 points in the drivers' standings, compared to Leclerc's massive 71 points. Verstappen, for his part, has only completed the one Grand Prix that he managed to win, leaving him on 25 points after three races. However, because there is a sprint race for the first time this weekend this season, there are a lot more points to be distributed.

In fact, the winner of the sprint race gets eight points, instead of the three points in 2021. Perez understands the importance of the sprint race and will go for the maximum number of points this weekend. According to the Mexican, it all starts on the first day of the race weekend, during qualifying. Moreover, the weather gods can also make themselves heard, Perez expects. "It looks like it could rain this weekend so that will play a part and I want to learn from the performance I had in Imola in the wet last season and continue to improve in all areas."