F1 News: Sergio Perez Wins Suzuka Qualifying Bet With Christian Horner - 'How To Motivate Me'

Saajan Jogia | Apr 6, 2024

Oracle Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is interviewed in the paddock area at Circuit of Americas on / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

After clinching second place in qualifying at Suzuka today, Sergio Perez gleefully informed team boss Christian Horner over the team radio about winning their bet. The wager revolved around whether Red Bull would wrap up qualifying with a 1-2 finish.

Key Takeaways:

• Sergio Perez secured second place in qualifying at Suzuka, marking a significant improvement from his previous performances, particularly compared to his challenging race in the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.
• Perez's strong form continued from previous races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where he also finished in second place, consolidating his position as the 2023 championship runner-up.
• During qualifying, Perez playfully informed team boss Christian Horner over the radio about winning a bet, showcasing a light-hearted moment amidst the competitive atmosphere of Formula 1.

Following his second-place finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Perez continues to impress, further solidifying his success as the 2023 championship runner-up. The only setback in his otherwise stellar season so far was a grid penalty in Australia, which demoted him from P3 to P5.

Carrying forward his top form into Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, the 34-year-old driver boldly challenged Max Verstappen for the lead in qualifying, only to trail behind him by only 0.066 seconds. The second spot in qualifying marks a complete overhaul in his performance compared to his 2023 Japanese GP run from six months ago, which ended quite badly for the Mexican driver.

Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers Sergio Perez, left, and Max Verstappen, right, wave to the crowd / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

Struggling to keep pace with his teammate last season, Perez began the 2023 Japanese GP from P5 but encountered damage in a collision with Lewis Hamilton. After a brief retirement, he returned to the track to serve a penalty, only to retire again due to additional damage from contact with Kevin Magnussen's Haas F1 car.

However, not only did Perez secure P2 today, but he also won a bet with his team boss. As qualifying concluded, Perez chimed in on the team radio, sharing a light-hearted moment with his crew. Horner playfully scolded him for winning a bet that had cost him "a few quid today."

Perez responded with a playful remark, saying, "Now you see how to motivate me". In return, Horner chuckled and replied, "Haha, well I've always known that!" Eventually, Perez's race engineer, Hugh Bird, humorously chimed in, saying, "It's very nice of you to share that with me and Woody". Perez then concluded with, "Absolutely, and all the boys".

Adrian Newey - Christian Horner - Red Bull /