Sergio Perez: In qualifying the car seemed to come to life

Sergio Pérez won pole position in Miami, although he was made easier by mistakes by qualifiers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

Sergio Perez (1st): “Before qualifying it was my worst weekend, I didn’t know how to find those missing tenths, which I kept losing to Max and the Ferrari drivers.

I literally tried to change all the settings, and just before qualifying we made some adjustments and the car seemed to come to life. We managed to do a good circle just when it was important. Before that it was not possible to put everything together.

In general, this is one of those weekends where, due to balance issues, I was not confident, especially since the tarmac surface on this track is very specific and the grip level changed with temperature changes.

I like to drive with Max Verstappen, while I experience each race separately. I am grateful to the team, they are doing a great job, and let’s see how everything goes tomorrow. On Sunday we will have another chance to succeed, because we will start from pole position and we have something to lose. But we will do everything we can to satisfy the fans!”

Max Verstappen (9th): “I tried to fly on the limit, then made a mistake, after which the circle had to be interrupted. After that it was a matter of luck, I hoped that the session would not be interrupted by red flags, but on such circuits it could happen.

I’m just a little dissatisfied with myself, and tomorrow we won’t be easy. But I have made the task more complicated myself, I must admit.”