Sergio Perez Applauds Fernando Alonso’s Defensive Masterclass at Brazilian Grand Prix
Red Bull and Aston Martin Engage in Thrilling Battle for Third Place
In a heart-pounding showdown at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez found himself in a fierce duel with the veteran Fernando Alonso, ultimately applauding Alonso’s masterful defensive skills that resulted in a thrilling photo finish for the third-place spot on the podium.
Perez, starting from a challenging ninth position on the grid, showcased an impressive performance as he carved his way through the pack. His sights were firmly set on challenging Alonso, but the Aston Martin driver’s defensive prowess proved to be a formidable obstacle for the faster Red Bull.
The closing laps of the race saw Perez and Alonso engage in a relentless battle for supremacy, with Alonso narrowly clinching the coveted podium position. Despite Perez piloting a “far superior car,” Alonso’s tactical maneuvers and defensive excellence created an impenetrable barrier against his rival’s advances.
It was on the penultimate lap that Perez managed to briefly slip past the Spaniard, providing a momentary glimmer of hope for Red Bull fans. However, Alonso swiftly reclaimed his position on the straight, executing a decisive move with the assistance of DRS (Drag Reduction System).
In a dramatic sprint to the finish line, Perez made one final effort, reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton’s attempt on Pierre Gasly in 2019. Yet, it was Alonso who emerged victorious, securing his eighth podium finish of the season and leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
“It was quite an intense battle. We tried everything, unfortunately we didn’t succeed on that. But it was well deserved for Fernando.
“I think we had a great fight, very fair and to the limit. I think this is something that a lot of drivers can learn from.
“What we did, the way we fought today, it’s how it should be done. I’m on the wrong side, I ended up losing but it’s fine because it was a great fight.”
Reflecting on the intense duel, Perez expressed admiration for the hard-fought battle and highlighted the significance of a clean fight that sets a positive example for other drivers. Despite the setback, Perez remained optimistic about his future races, alluding to his recent strong pace and considering a podium finish to be just a matter of time.
