Perez optimizes his Australian Grand Prix with his podium

Sergio Perez is 4th in the drivers’ standings and secured his first podium with Red Bull this season. He made several overtakes on the Mercedes cars, especially after a poor start. While he did benefit from Verstappen’s retirement to take 2nd place, he also seized key opportunities to gain an advantage over Hamilton or Russell.

The start was a bit complicated, I tried to hold my position but Lewis [Hamilton] was there at the first corner and he braked very late, then he was able to pass me. I tried to pass him back but I had a lot of tire degradation during my first stint.

Unfortunately, we lost Max’s car and we could have secured a double podium without that. We are a little unlucky.

So behind Lewis Hamilton, Perez overtook the Mercedes driver twice. The first time was on lap 9, catching Hamilton by surprise during braking. Then, a second time during Hamilton’s pit stop on lap 22 after their first tire change.

With Lewis [Hamilton], you must be very determined, but it was a very clean maneuver.

Russell was then overtaken by Perez in order to prioritize tire management.