Red Bull performing "deep analysis" after losing ground to Mercedes

Sergio Perez has indicated Red Bull will perform a "deep analysis" into the São Paulo Grand Prix after losing ground to Mercedes in the constructors' standings.

Red Bull had a one-two at the end of lap one with Max Verstappen ahead of Perez, whilst Lewis Hamilton was left with a challenge to battle his way through the field from 10th as Bottas slipped to third from pole.

Whilst Hamilton surged to the race victory, Verstappen held onto second but Perez was left to rue an untimely virtual safety car which allowed Bottas to jump the Mexican for third.

"We were very unlucky on Sunday to miss the podium, it was basically just down to bad luck," said Perez.

"But this is racing, and these things happen so there is no point dwelling on it, I just need to move on and look to Qatar and getting back on the podium there.

"I think we will do a deep analysis as a team and Qatar is going to be a very different track to Sao Paulo so things will change.

"Hopefully, we can be a lot stronger there, across the whole weekend. For me also, it is nice to be back to the normal qualifying format to see how we line up in terms of outright pace."

Verstappen looks ahead to Qatar

F1 makes its maiden voyage to Qatar this weekend on a circuit better known for motorcycle racing.

Assessing his chances for the weekend, Verstappen commented: "It’s hard to say at the moment but let’s see when we get there.

"I’ve driven it a little bit on the simulator to understand the corners but it will be good to see the track in real life.

"The practice sessions will of course be very important for everyone to get up to speed and understand the car set up.

"I think I’ve only been to Qatar once for a prize-giving so I’m looking forward to going back.

"It’s a new track and we’ve obviously never been there so I’m excited to see how it’s going to be driving the track, hopefully, we can perform well there. It always looks cool when we see MotoGP race there."

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