Perez has high hopes for Japan: 'Want to be on the podium'

Max Verstappen had to retire early in Australia, after which Red Bull Racing's hopes of victory naturally fell on the shoulders of Sergio Perez. However, the Mexican had to settle for a P5 finish in Melbourne, well behind Carlos Sainz. Perez could claim as an excuse that he could not impress with his RB20 due to damage and penalties. In Japan, where the next Grand Prix is scheduled next weekend, he hopes for more.

"I am looking forward to this week, Japan is always a great race on the calendar and this year we are going a lot earlier in the season, which will make things interesting," Perez believes, pointing out that conditions are different for teams as a result. "I always love going to Tokyo before the race week starts, the food in Japan is one of my favourite things so I will be making sure I enjoy that before heading to Suzuka to focus on the race."

Perez recalls that the Suzuka circuit has often produced beautiful, historic races. "The race down into turn one is iconic in the sport – it’s fun if you come out on top there! The weather can sometimes really influence things here, with the rain that often comes and this time of year looks like it could be the same, so we will need to maximise the moments we get with the car to perfect the set up."

Similarly to Verstappen, Perez also wants to bounce back in Japan. "Australia was not the best time for the Team, was a shame the penalty we had plus the damage on the race but we have overcome moments like this before. We want to be back on the podium this weekend," Perez concluded.