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Red Bull's Sergio Perez expects a positive outcome from the 2024 F1 Belgian Grand Prix as he is set to start the race from the front row in P2. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari will be in P1.
It was Max Verstappen who pushed the RB20 to the limit around a wet Spa-Francorchamps to clinch pole position by a large margin. However, he has been given a 10-place grid penalty after taking the 5th ICE this season. This gave Leclerc the pole position and Perez will start the race in P2.
This front row is exactly the same as last year. But Verstappen was able to win that race despite starting P6. While Red Bull is seemingly not dominating this time around, Sergio Perez has a positive feeling about the race.
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In his post-qualifying interview with Billy Monger, Perez said:
"Very tricky out there. It was good to finally put it together. Unfortunately we didn't have any new tyres in Q3. P2 is the best position you can wish for at Spa. Like I've always said, every weekend is a new opportunity to do better."
"I think tomorrow degradation will be tricky, and graining - there are a lot of unknowns but I have a good feeling," he concluded.
Is the 2024 F1 Belgian GP set to be the final decider for Sergio Perez's future in Red Bull?
The 34-year-old was given a two-year contract extension earlier this year. While he initially looked like a strong second driver in the season, he seemingly lost out on his competitiveness as other teams continued to develop and bring down RBR's dominance.
Perez's results after the Miami Grand Prix remained affected, as he has only scored a P7 at best. This also included two consecutive retirements in Monaco and Canada.
His performances have raised the speculation that the team might not continue with him in the future. Since other teams are taking over Red Bull's dominance like a storm, Sergio Perez's disappointing performances remain a threat to their Constructors' World Championship. It was said that the team might take a decision after the Belgian Grand Prix.
Despite the heated talks, Perez believes he has a firm future with the team, as Outlook quoted him as saying:
"I am 100% sure," he said about competing alongside Verstappen in the future."
"Because I know basically what's in my contract and I know what the team trusts in me. And I know where is the main focus, which is on delivering on the track."
"It's no different to what it was in Hungary or [at the first race] in Bahrain or how it will be in Zandvoort or the rest of the year."
Regardless of the discussions within the team, Spa remains an important spot for Sergio Perez right before the summer break begins. Starting on the front row with his teammate back in P10 will give him the chance to capitalize and finish ahead of him.
