The Mexican finished the Q3 session 0.358 seconds off Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Carlos Sainz all simply pipping him.
Perez heads into this season understanding that he has to carry out in an effort to retain his Crimson Bull seat for 2025 and past.
Regardless of his marketing campaign getting off to a irritating begin, he stays optimistic after Crimson Bull’s testing promise translated into a snug pole for Verstappen.
“Yeah, undoubtedly,” he stated when requested by Autosport if the world champion’s tempo was encouraging.
“It has been a Positive day for the for the group. From my aspect, I tousled Flip 1, and misplaced a tenth and a bit. And that was sufficient to take me from in all probability P2 or P3. We have seen the gaps.
“It was additionally a disgrace that we misplaced the second set into Q2 with no want. We ended up aborting. It was already a scrubbed tyre, however anyway, loads of issues to look ahead for tomorrow.”
Perez says he feels extra comfy with the RB20 than its predecessor, having struggled to match Verstappen for a lot of final yr.
“I really feel there may be good potential, and there may be good understanding,” he stated. “I feel we’re making good progress. It is the primary time we have run it at such a light-weight gas, and even by means of qualifying we had been making some good progress.
“It is a disgrace that ultimately we did not get to point out it. However I feel we’re in a a lot better place, and in addition our race tempo is best. So let’s examine the place we find yourself tomorrow.”
Sergio Perez, Crimson Bull Racing, is interviewed after Qualifying
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Perez gave a transparent indication of the important thing space that he believes has been addressed relative to the RB19.
“I feel the entry stability is best,” he stated. “It is clearly nonetheless a Crimson Bull automobile. However I feel it is the place we’re taking good steps.
“I feel we have began the season strongly. The outcome won’t present it, however it’s only a matter of placing every little thing collectively. We’re in a great place for tomorrow, having that flexibility with the softs. We have now good tyres for tomorrow.”
Relating to prospects for Saturday night’s race he stated: “I feel following has turn into just a little bit more durable. So it will likely be fascinating to be with automobiles round, and see what it is like.
“It is a actually, actually shut on the market. I feel tomorrow we are going to nonetheless study lots, all of us, so it is vital to finish the race distance, after which go from there.”
Perez additionally downplayed any distraction within the storage attributable to the ongoing off-track saga involving group boss Christian Horner.
“Everyone seems to be absolutely centered,” he stated. “I imply, we’re a race group. And everybody within the group comes right here to race, and that is our predominant focus for us.”