F1 news outlets will extensively cover the Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso duel. Perez believes other drivers can learn from this battle.
Sergio Perez spent most of the Brazilian GP hunting down Fernando Alonso, fighting to secure his first F1 podium since Italy. After laps of tremendous pressure – and even a successful overtake on lap 71 – the Mexican missed out on third place by just 0.052 of a second.
No doubt Perez will be frustrated to miss out on a podium, enjoying a substantially faster car than his Spanish adversary. Then again, this isn’t the first time someone in significantly better machinery has failed to overtake the two-time World Champion.
Speaking to the media post-race, Perez explained why others on the F1 grid should take note of this battle:
“It was quite an intense battle. We tried everything. Unfortunately, we didn’t succeed on that,” he told Sky Sports.
“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 a lot of drivers can learn from. What we did, the way we fought today, I think 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.”
A race to the line
There were several battles during the Brazilian GP, with the Mercedes duo finding themselves in an intense fight with Stroll, Sainz and Gasly.
Still, in a race where only Lando Norris could keep Verstappen honest, it was Alonso and Perez who provided the most entertainment. It was a significant result for the 42-year-old, who adds yet another brilliant defence to his growing F1 legacy.
Unlike his iconic defence of Lewis Hamilton in Hungary, Alonso managed to keep Perez at bay. Additionally, he managed to secure his 8th podium of 2023 at a circuit where overtaking is relatively easy.
Returning to Sergio Perez, there are positives to take from this weekend. He avoided the collisions and incidents that have cost him numerous rounds since the summer break. With two rounds left, the Mexican driver is now within touching distance of securing P2 in the Championship.
Checo’s performance in the Sprint shootout was also noteworthy, within a tenth of his teammate despite using worn soft tyres.
Although there will always be pressure for whoever drives alongside Max Verstappen, the Mexican driver will be hopeful of ending the year on a relative high.
