David Croft says ‘you’ve got to feel’ for Sergio Perez after two-word Mexico City Grand Prix radio

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The margins are very fine in Formula 1 towards the end of the 2024 season with the entire 20-car field separated by less time than in previous years.

This creates a very competitive field with most cars capable of scoring points at a lot of the races, making good racing.

Qualifying is also very important as it can be difficult to overtake at most tracks, putting more of an emphasis on track position.

Sergio Perez has struggled in particular this season, getting knocked out in the first part of qualifying on five occasions despite driving for Red Bull who have won races this year.

The Mexican missed out in Q1 and will start the Mexico City Grand Prix from the back of the field, creating a difficult 71-lap race in Sunday.

Perez was clearly frustrated after failing to get into Q2 and struggling for raw pace. David Croft sympathised with the Mexican while commentating for Sky Sports F1 after a strongly-worded radio message from the Red Bull driver.

David Croft claimed ‘you’ve got to feel for Sergio Perez’ after his Q1 elimination

Perez has struggled for form throughout this season, grappling with the Red Bull RB20 that has looked difficult to drive at some events.

The Mexican driver has lacked speed over a single lap in qualifying which has made life difficult for himself and teammate Max Verstappen.

He made errors throughout practice in Mexico, struggling with braking and running wide in the final sector in the opening stages of the weekend.

Perez was frustrated as he was eliminated from qualifying, saying ‘ah ****’ on the team radio after a lacklustre result.

READ MORE: Martin Brundle warns Red Bull they could face contract issue if they sack Sergio Perez

Croft responded by saying that Perez’s driving and technique behind the wheel isn’t delivering results this season.

He said: “You’ve got to feel for Sergio Perez, who is just one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to share some time with. And whatever is happening in that cockpit, it is just not working for him at the moment.”

Sergio Perez is clinging onto his Red Bull drive for the 2025 season

Perez’s lack of form over the season has cost the team valuable points as Red Bull have lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren.

The Mexican driver hasn’t won a race this season and has gone without a podium finish since the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

He is being put under increasing pressure from Liam Lawson who is driving well at RB, scoring points at the United States Grand Prix last time out.