Perez confident Red Bull can "overcome" Bahrain disappointment

Sergio Perez has backed Red Bull to "overcome" its reliability woes from the Bahrain Grand Prix after the team suffered a late-in-the-day double retirement.

Red Bull was on course to finish second and fourth in the F1 season-opener with Max Verstappen and Perez before both drivers were forced to retire with a failure in the fuel system.

Instead of registering 30 points, Red Bull left Bahrain empty-handed, losing ground on both Ferrari and Mercedes, the former registering a one-two with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"Bahrain was difficult, I was one lap away from starting the season on the podium but I am confident in this team and we will work together to overcome it," said Perez.

"The positive thing is it’s a long season ahead, we have a quick car and I felt very competitive throughout the race. I am hoping to take that pace and utilise it from qualifying through to Sunday in Jeddah."

Perez retired from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last year after being caught up in the same incident that caused the exits of Nikita Mazepin and George Russell.

With one safety car, two red flags and four virtual safety car periods, the Mexican is all too aware of the chaos that could once again be in store.

"Last season’s race there was crazy, it is a very challenging track and will be even more so in the new cars," explained Perez.

"Unfortunately, I didn’t finish the race in 2021 so I want a clean race and to show the full potential of this car."

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