Perez: Racing Point’s New Upgrades Should Close Gap To Red Bull

Team-mate Lance Stroll’s RP20 is already running the upgraded package at Mugello.

Sergio Perez, who was recently told he will not be retained by Racing Point for the 2021 Formula One season, has said he is hopeful that their raft of new upgrades will help the team close the gap to Red Bull.

Speaking after qualifying for the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello, Perez said the upgrades “looked good” on team-mate Lance Stroll’s car.

READ: Ferrari Hoping To ‘Simply Be Ahead’ Of Vettel In 2021

“We only have it for one car, for Lance, and it is looking good. I am getting it for the next race [the Russian Grand Prix]. They looked good today so we should be able to close the gap to the Red Bulls.”

The new package includes a revised floor and engine cover, plus a tighter side-pod configuration.

Perez outqualified his team-mate, who was unable to complete his final flying lap due to Esteban Ocon spinning his Renault towards the end of Q3.

However, Perez will start just behind him in seventh position, as the Mexican picked up a one-place grid drop for crashing into the back of Kimi Raikkonen in Free Practice 2 on Friday.   

“I think there is plenty to play for tomorrow. A good start and good strategy, there are a lot of things to play for. I am happy to lose the position to my team-mate though,” Perez said.

Continuing, he said believes the penalty is a bit harsh as the nature of the pit-lane at Mugello put him in an awkward position and led to the crash.

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Earlier this week, it was announced that Sergio Perez would be leaving the team at the end of 2020.

Outgoing Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel will be replacing him at Racing Point, which will be rebranded Aston Martin Racing for the 2021 Formula One season.

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