From P11 to the podium:
But Checo was disappointed not to have held on to P2 following a final-lap pass by Leclerc

Perez reflects on the “tough race” in Las Vegas after helping Red Bull secure first and second places in the Drivers’ Championship.

LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 18: Mexico’s Sergio Perez (11) drives Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Sergio Perez admitted he was surprised to be overtaken by Charles Leclerc for second at the last minute at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in an eventful evening for the Red Bull driver.

However, his P3 result was his second in the Drivers’ Championship and the first 1-2 in Red Bull history.

After a difficult qualifying session in which he finished 11th on the grid, Perez made contact with Valtteri Bottas on the first lap of the race and had to make repairs while the virtual safety car was deployed to clear the wreckage .

The Mexican then worked his way through the field, taking advantage of a pit stop in the middle of the safety car to eventually win the battle for the lead with Leclerc.

But Ferrari soon found a way back to the lead and Perez lost second to his teammate Max VestAppen.

PEREZ took second behind Leclerc before the world champions went on to win the MONEGASQUE Grand Prix before reclaiming their position.

Reflecting on the race after his P3 result, Perez said: “It was a very difficult start with a lot of damage.

I broke the front fender and went all the way to the back of the grill. Then I took it little by little and it turned out well.

In the first part we showed a very strong pace and we were back in the fight before the safety car put us in the race.
“I caught up with Charles, but I couldn’t get rid of him.

My car had a lot of wings so it was a bit slower in the straight so I was able to get away from him.

Then Max came and passed us both.
He went straight with Charles.
“It was very difficult there because there were a few gusts of wind.
I got stuck a few times, but luckily I was able to follow it.

After all, I didn’t expect this from Charles.
He was 0.7 seconds back but the braking zone there worked well for him and Max.”

Perez’s result at the Las Vegas Grand Prix secured him a P2 position in the Drivers’ Championship.

As for the opening event’s performance on the Las Vegas Strip, Perez believes he delivered some exciting rides.

“Yes, I think so,” he explained.
“It was good for the race.
It’s not easy to break away from the people behind you, but it’s the same as in Baku.

I think it paid off because being the main car makes life there a little more difficult.

Despite missing out on second place in the race, Perez’s result saw him second in the Drivers’ Championship.

Unlike third-placed Lewis Hamilton, who finished seventh in Las Vegas, he currently leads the season finale in Abu Dhabi by 42 points.

It also means Red Bull have achieved a one-two punch in the drivers’ standings for the first time in its history.