Perez on the RB18: "Really hope we're in the mix"

The RB18 and the Ferrari car seem to have come out strongest this season, where Mercedes, for example, were about a second per lap slower in the opening race. According to Perez, however, it does not automatically mean that the proportions will be the same as last week, he indicated in the press conference on Sky Sports.

"It will be interesting to see first of all how different it is, the team order from Bahrain as it’s a very different one. Today will be interesting, I really hope we are in the mix. I definitely believe that things are gonna be very close between a couple of teams. like Charles said, we will be will have a more of an idea later on today," Perez said prior to the first free practice session in Jeddah.

The Mexican veteran agrees that driving the new generation of cars is a challenge. "“I don’t think there’s anyone here that is one with the car yet. These are very extreme regulations very different to what we are used to I think we’re getting there but we are far from 100%," Perez said of the drivers' adaptability.

The safety of the circuit in Saudi Arabia is also discussed. Last season there was quite some criticism, but this year changes have been made that should make it safer in terms of visibility and speed. Perez says that last year's racing was indeed on the edge in terms of safety so he is happy that measures have been taken.