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Horner: Perez deficit to Verstappen ‘difficult to explain’
In qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured his 10th pole position of 2023, while Sergio Perez failed to make it into the top 10 shootout for the eighth time this season. Perez’s best lap time was deleted for exceeding track limits, resulting in a 13th place start for the race. Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, admitted that they are struggling to understand the performance gap between Verstappen and Perez. Both Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz were caught out by track limits, while McLaren drivers also had their times removed by the stewards. Horner acknowledged the mental pressure Perez faces when competing against Verstappen, but expressed confidence in his abilities and the team’s support. Perez will start 10 places behind Lewis Hamilton, his closest rival in the Drivers’ Championship. Red Bull aims to have both drivers in the top two spots in the standings for the first time in their history. Horner stated that they will continue to support Perez and strive for the best results to secure his second-place finish in the championship.
Source: Motorsport Week
