Perez admits to lack of pace at F1 Canadian Grand Prix, so what is the issue?

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez admits that he “didn’t have the pace” during the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, so what is the issue?

The Mexican has won two races this season – both at street tracks in Jeddah and Baku. However, the 33-year-old has struggled compared to Max Verstappen in the other races.

The most notable race was the Miami Grand Prix. Perez started the race from pole, whilst Verstappen started the race from ninth after an engine issue.

Despite starting from ninth, Verstappen charged through the field and overtook Perez with plenty of laps to go. On the other hand, Perez in Montreal could only manage a sixth place finish, starting from 12th.

The Mexican has had plenty of disappointing qualifying sessions this year, such as the Q1 exit in Monaco and the Q2 exit in Montreal.

What was the issue in Montreal?

Perez started the race on hard compound tyres. The Mexican initially passed Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. However, he would lose out to the Spaniard with the Ferrari driver having a softer compound.

This hampered Perez’s progress up the field. Furthermore, her would lose out to both Ferrari drivers as they went on an alternate strategy to Perez.

The Red Bull driver was asked by Motorsport.com whether he thought he could have achieved a better result. Th 33-year-old responded:

“Well I feel that there was a little bit more certainly.

“But we just didn’t have the pace today. We did struggle. I think we got hurt massively with the safety car, that it came at the wrong moment for us. Luck is not with us at the moment, but it’s how it is at the moment.�

Perez would then be asked the reason for the lack of pace during the race in Montreal. The Mexican said that he struggled with the brakes of his RB19.

“Basically under braking. I think the ride hasn’t been great, so under braking I think was the biggest thing.

“And it is where we think we need to come on top of and make sure that we are able to figure out what’s happening, and then come back strong.�