Pérez continues to be in denial, however U’s time is approaching

• Louis Decker

  Method 1 reporter

“It was a superb hit to the wall. The rain bought heavier, the trail harmful. I hit one stone stone and it burned exhausting. I hope I can nonetheless get some factors.”

As soon as once more Sergio Pérez is the schlemiel of the Method 1 weekend. Max Verstappen is a teammate choke Saturday afternoon throughout qualifying on the Hungaroring, identical to earlier this month at Silverstone, on the slippery, moist monitor.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Rental Crimson Bull Racing will verify quickly whether or not Pérez can end the season. “I want to realize two flawless weekends, right here in Hungary and later in Belgium,” Pérez mentioned earlier this week. Issues turned out in a different way.

“It is simply what I do not want,” admits Pérez, sipping greater than an hour after his slide. “The situations have been Sorry, however I used to be quicker than my earlier lap. Truly utterly ineffective, as a result of my time was already quick sufficient. We all know that now, however trying again it is easy to say. And I am paying the worth for that.”

“I am not apprehensive about my future,” Pérez questions in regards to the new dent in his self-confidence. “I am decided to show the tide, I really feel a lot better within the automobile than earlier than. This blow won’t change that. On this climate this may have an effect on any driver. Sadly it occurred to me twice in a row.”

Is the strain on the boiler full? “No,” Pérez shrugs. “In fact not. Hungary and Belgium are additionally identical to grands prix the place you get 25 factors. I will not go into contractual particulars, however there’s at all times strain. There may be nothing new below solar.”

Pérez understands that he’s inflicting a headache for his workforce. “I am disillusioned that I am letting my crew down. That hurts. This can be a troublesome time in my thoughts. The simple means is to cease Method 1, however that is not who I’m. That’s not the message I wish to give my youngsters. “I am not going to surrender and I’ll flip this dangerous streak round.”

Flashback. Thursday afternoon on the Hungaroring. Pérez goes on a compulsory media tour with seen confidence. Strolling idly to his discuss with the world media, his eyes hidden behind reflective sun shades.

‘Checo’ is aware of what’s coming. One other cross-examination of his type disaster. About his bleak future and drivers who circle above his cockpit like vultures. He pulls himself collectively. The glasses come off. “Whats up everybody, who desires to start out?”

The driving force, who’s 34, was cleared. 269 ​​Grand Prix begins, six victories, 388 laps led. Statistics which can be of no use to him presently. As a result of it would not work in any respect.

Dozens of journalists noticed it by means of about potential causes and penalties. It has been like this for months. Additionally in Hungary, the place the thirteenth prix of the season takes place.

Perez is prepared for a trip. “And that’s in fact a lot better in the event you obtain good outcomes.” He has run his first sentences neatly. “We have had a few troublesome weekends, however there are races arising the place we have to get again to our outdated type. That is the precedence. Getting the season again on monitor – means.”

All of the media are centered on the identical factor: dangerous outcomes and efficiency contracts might price Pérez his head. Hitting: the direct object typically solutions within the plural, we as an alternative of I. “We research each weekend. I actually imagine that it is just a matter of time earlier than it is the tip of us.”

Pérez is aware of what the issue is. “Generally we weren’t quick sufficient, generally it was due to circumstances or dangerous luck. In fact I am accountable. It is principally my fault.” On the identical time he places the harvest of the hill into view. “There are lots of drivers who don’t carry out 100%, however with a high workforce you’re below a magnifying glass.”

The numbers do not lie. Whereas Verstappen leads the World Cup by a mile, Pérez (sixth) should be cautious to not fall additional. He has not received a grand prix for nearly fifteen months. His final podium end: China, April 21. Then there might be no champagne bathe for seven medical doctors in a row.

“It is typically a vicious cycle,” Pérez says trying again on his troublesome streak. “In Silverstone I slipped off the monitor in qualifying. I apprehensive myself. We’ll then begin on the again and roll the cube on the tire technique. That was additionally incorrect. Then there might be a nasty have an incredible weekend.”

Whereas superior drivers similar to Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are already brazenly claiming, Pérez is making an attempt to cut back the disaster. “The season continues to be lengthy. It isn’t about the place we at the moment are, it is in regards to the remaining rating in December. I have been there for a few years already. We have now to attend for the This can be a curler coaster.”

Privateers on the coast usually are not excited about it. “I do know a number of drivers wish to take my seat. That is regular. Everyone seems to be formidable, however I’ve simply prolonged my contract. I will be right here after the summer time. And subsequent 12 months too.”

The stream of criticism about his troublesome season is nonetheless deeply divisive. “This job utterly consumes you. We attempt to ignore the unfavourable tales and noise, however that is unattainable. Everybody has an opinion. Everybody says. You’ll be able to’t for me to show that off with a swap.”