Perez confident Red Bull will overcome Bahrain problems

Sergio Perez says he has faith in Red Bull to turn around their fortunes in Saudi Arabia this weekend after a tough time in Bahrain.

Both he and his team-mate Max Verstappen retired from the race last time out with suspected fuel pump issues, the Mexican spinning around at Turn 1 on the final lap after his engine cut out.

Having looked set for at least second and fourth-placed finishes in Bahrain, that left Red Bull yet to get on the board in both World Championships, Ferrari taking maximum points and getting off to the perfect start.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc predicted last weekend Red Bull seem to be two or three tenths of a second ahead of the Scuderia when it comes to race pace, and Perez hopes to use the inherent speed in the RB18 to put himself in contention come Sunday.

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“I’m looking forward to getting back in the car this weekend,” Perez said. “Bahrain was difficult, I was one lap away from starting the season on the podium. But I am confident in this team and we will work together to overcome it.

“The positive thing is it’s a long season ahead, we have a quick car and I felt very competitive throughout the race.

“I am hoping to take that pace and utilise it from qualifying through to Sunday in Jeddah.

“Last season’s race there was