Joy in Defeat: Perez Relishes Intense São Paulo Battle
Happy Perez! // Red Bull Content Pool, Getty Images
In the high-octane atmosphere of São Paulo's Grand Prix, Sergio Perez experienced the sharp taste of competition and the bittersweet aftermath of a thrilling contest.
In a gripping finale, Fernando Alonso edged Perez out for a podium position in a nail-biting finish that saw the two seasoned drivers separated by a mere 0.053 seconds at the checkered flag. This encounter, described by Perez as "intense" and "super enjoyable," was a remarkable display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship that unfolded over several laps and captured the essence of racing at its finest.
READ MORE: Sao Paulo Grand Prix driver ratings
Perez's challenge began in earnest on Lap 48, as he positioned his Red Bull just behind Alonso's Aston Martin on the track. Despite both being on soft tyres for the final stretch of the race, Alonso's marginally fresher tyres—courtesy of pitting a lap after Perez—gave him a slender advantage. It was not until Lap 54 that Perez, with relentless pursuit, managed to slip into the Drag Reduction System (DRS) zone of Alonso. A tense game of cat and mouse ensued, with Perez launching an attack at Turn 1, only to be outmaneuvered by Alonso's astute defensive driving.
As the laps dwindled, the intensity surged. The penultimate lap saw Perez execute a brilliant move at Turn 1, nearly breaking free from the DRS threat. However, the drama peaked on the final lap when a slight over-braking by Perez into Turn 1 gave Alonso the opportunity he needed to reclaim his position by Turn 4.
Traffic jam at Interlagos // Red Bull Content Pool, Getty Images
The showdown culminated in a dramatic drag race to the finish line, where Alonso triumphed by the slimmest of margins. Reflecting on the duel, Perez was gracious, emphasizing the enjoyment and the exemplary nature of the fight. "It was really tight from beginning to end," he remarked, acknowledging the clean, yet fiercely contested battle. He continued, "I think we had a great fight, very fair and to the limit. I think this is something a lot of drivers can learn from, what we did, the way we fight today, I think it’s something – it’s how it should be done."
Despite the close call, Perez remained positive, drawing on the overall performance of the weekend, which included a top-three finish in Saturday’s Sprint and showcasing the full potential of the RB19. His persistence and pace have been evident in recent races, and while the elusive podium has been just out of reach, his optimism remained unshaken.
READ MORE: Sao Paulo Grand Prix on F1-calendar until 2030
Christian Horner, the team principal for Red Bull, praised Perez's effort as "a big drive," and despite not securing the podium, Perez's efforts were not in vain. With Lewis Hamilton not at his usual competitive level, Perez has bolstered his position for second place in the drivers' championship. This is significant for Red Bull, a team that has never witnessed a 1-2 finish in its history, underscoring the importance of every point and position as they chase this unprecedented achievement.
The São Paulo Grand Prix will be remembered for the exemplary display of racing finesse and the commendable sportsmanship between Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso. It’s a testament to the spirit of Formula 1 racing, where the pursuit of victory is as much about the respect between rivals as it is about the final position on the podium.
