Red Bull's New Package Gives Perez a Confidence Boost

Sergio Perez's performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice sessions has brought a glimmer of hope for the Red Bull Formula 1 team. The Mexican driver finished a close second in Friday's practice, just 0.006s behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. This improved performance comes as a welcome change for Perez, who has been struggling with balance issues in the Red Bull RB20 this season.

A Positive Turn for Perez

Perez's recent performances have been under scrutiny, with the gap between him and teammate Max Verstappen growing to over half a second per lap at several circuits. However, the Azerbaijan practice sessions seem to have marked a turning point for the Mexican driver. Perez expressed satisfaction with his car's balance right from the start, describing it as "a good, solid day" with "some good basics."

Progress in the Right Direction

When asked about his increased confidence in the RB20, Perez acknowledged that the team is heading in the right direction. He noted that they are finding ways to "put the car a little bit more together," although he emphasized that there is still a long way to go. This progress is promising for both Perez and the Red Bull team as they look to close the gap with their competitors.

Verstappen's Perspective

Max Verstappen, who topped FP1 and finished sixth in FP2, also expressed satisfaction with his car's behavior. The Dutch driver noted that the team has been more competitive this weekend, which he sees as a positive development. Verstappen highlighted the ongoing work behind the scenes to improve the car's performance and balance.

Challenges and Fine-Tuning

Despite the overall positive outlook, both drivers faced some challenges during the practice sessions. Verstappen encountered visibility issues towards the end of FP2 as the sun set over the Caspian Sea. He explained that the problem was related to his visor stickers and the glare from the sun between buildings. These minor issues will require fine-tuning as the team prepares for the upcoming qualifying sessions and race.

As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend progresses, Red Bull will be looking to build on this promising start and translate their improved performance into strong results on race day. With both Perez and Verstappen showing signs of increased comfort with the RB20, the team's prospects for success in Baku are looking brighter.