Perez happy with Verstappen: 'We worked together as a team'

Sergio Perez showed great pace in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and thanks in part to the help of Max Verstappen, he managed to secure second place, starting one place ahead of his direct rival Charles Leclerc.

The Mexican is up against Leclerc this weekend, with the two locked in a battle for P2 in the Drivers' Championship. Indeed, both men are on 290 points in the world championship, so it remains exciting who will take the position behind world champion Verstappen. With his second starting spot, Perez has made an important step, although he remains sharp for the race.

"It's a good starting position.," Perez stressed afterwards. "I just didn't make that final step in Q3. Q3 run one wasn't that good. So, we were a bit behind, but it's good to lock out that front row for tomorrow. Max did a great job for me. We worked together as a team on that final run."

Perez looks forward to race in Abu Dhabi

Perez is therefore excited for the race. "Looking forward to tomorrow on a day that really matters. I hope that we can have a strong race. I thinking it's going to be a very interesting one given how strong Ferrari will be, Mercedes and with Max it will be an interesting one tomorrow," he concluded.