Sergio Pérez’s poor run in qualifying continues at British Grand Prix

London, July 8 (BNA): Sergio Perez has the fastest car in Formula 1 and can’t capitalize on it in qualifying.

Perez has not qualified in the top 10 for a Grand Prix for five consecutive races after finishing 16th in qualifying for Saturday’s British Grand Prix – although he later moved up a spot when Valtteri Bottas was disqualified.

Teammate Max Verstappen is unbeaten in the same Red Bull car with five consecutive pole positions, and Verstappen is aiming for his sixth consecutive win in Sunday’s race.

It has become a common sight to see Perez work his way through the pack in races, generally for solid points finishes, but the standings gap to Verstappen has increased to 81 points. The Dutch driver is well on his way to retain his title.

With Perez still second in the standings, thanks in part to two wins and two poles earlier in the season, his slide down the qualifying stage is baffling.

The race started when he crashed in qualifying in Monaco in May, one race after pole in Miami. The only bright spot was second in last week’s sprint ‘penalty’ extra qualifying session in Austria, although that doesn’t count as a full qualifying session.

While Red Bull has eight-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo under contract as its third driver, and Yuki Tsunoda and Nick de Vries at its second AlphaTauri team, Perez’s position looks secure for now.

“Another tough performance for Checo (Pérez) but he remained confident for a good Tour tomorrow with a lot to compete for,” admitted team boss Christian Horner.

Red Bull’s motor racing advisor Helmut Marko told Germany’s Sky Sport that Perez “needs to work on” his qualifying performance but he has been doing well in races. “There is no one who can replace him,” said Marco.

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