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Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, with his medal
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Opinion

What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight

OPINION: Sergio Perez nearly took the 2023 Formula 1 world championship lead with his victory ahead of Max Verstappen in Jeddah. But while he was excellent there, does that mean the Red Bull driver is now a potential title contender?

“I would say arguably that was Checo's best grand prix to be honest with you.”

Christian Horner being very honest after Sergio Perez’s victory in last weekend’s 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. But let’s definitely argue with his point. After all, neither of Perez’s outstanding victories in the 2020 Sakhir GP for Racing Point nor his 2022 Singapore GP Red Bull triumph contained an awful start gaffe that allowed a slower car to seize a lead it, really, had no right to.

In the latter event, Perez actually launched so well in the slippery conditions he overtook pole-departing Charles Leclerc, then drove brilliantly around his safety car cheekiness as the Ferrari driver threw his car at every Marina Bay wall in a fruitless effort to repass. Perez was unruffled.

Previous article Alpine calls for rethink over F1 grid box rules
Next article Jeddah confirmed pace of AMR23, says Aston Martin F1 boss

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