Red Bull believes Sergio Perez will be “there” on race pace from the opening round in Bahrain this weekend.
The Mexican has been gradually settling in after making his move from Racing Point, completing 166 laps in the RB16B across his 12 hours in the cars during pre-season testing.
One aspect a lot of attention has been on is how Perez adapts to the Red Bull cars after the problems faced by his predecessors in doing so.
And so far Checo is relatively satisfied.
“The way you drive each of the cars is very different, so you have to adapt to a different car, to a different style,” he told RaceFans.
“But all in all, I also have to say that this car has very good potential in it. I think once I get on top of the car, then we should be looking good.”
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Given the lack of testing versus recent years, all drivers switching teams are expected to be on the back foot initially.
So asked how long he’ll need to get fully dialled in at Red Bull, Perez replied: “It’s hard to pick a number but I think after five races.
“Once we go to very different races, different conditions, you understand the car [and] the team a lot better. I think five races, proper races, should be good.”
Red Bull’s lurking advisor Helmut Marko is already impressed by what he’s seen from last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix winner, however.
“His long run was the fastest as far as I saw. He has already fully lived up to his reputation as a tyre specialist and at the same time as a fast driver,” he said.
“I don’t think it will take that long [five races]. Maybe for a qualifying lap, but in the race, he will certainly be there from the first Grand Prix.”
Perez also recently spoke of his initial relationship with new teammate Max Verstappen, who he admits poses quite a target for him to aim at.
“Since I knew I was coming to Red Bull, I knew that I am going to be facing a big challenge which is Max,” he said on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast.
“He’s a very complete driver. I’ve found no surprises to be honest – I’ve just found that he’s a very strong driver all around and it’s going to be a task, a big challenge for myself.
“But this is what I wanted. I wanted to measure against the best in the sport. So, it’s a great challenge and a great opportunity and something that I’m looking so much forward,” Perez insisted.
“The way I see it is that I’ve got absolutely nothing to lose in my career. I’ve been lucky enough to have a fantastic career, so whatever comes next is great.
“I don’t see why he should be worried about me or why I should be worried about him. We’ve both come here to do the best possible job.”
