In his usual column for the Italian daily newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, Jean Alesi analyzed the events of the 2023 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing in particular on the difficulties encountered by Carlos Sainz on the Baku street circuit. In doing so, he attempted a parallel between the situation of the Spanish driver and that of Sergio Perez, Red Bull’s second driver in the shadow of Max Verstappen. Here are his considerations.
Jean Alesi’s analysis:
“Does Sergio Perez go fast on street circuits? I don’t think so. Is Carlos Sainz not able to handle the Baku track? I don’t think so,” – the former Ferrari driver begins in his analysis for the well-known Italian newspaper.
He then explains his statement: “I believe that some drivers, when they feel fit, are capable of performing at their best, with the intention of demonstrating their worth. In those moments they become unbeatable and provide performances that are superior to their usual standard. Just as there are drivers who, mentally, do not always find a perfect attitude for this or that race. On the other hand, there are champions who express themselves at a high level everywhere.” – the former Formula 1 driver pointed out.
Subsequently, the former Ferrari man continues his analysis by stating that “the Red Bull and Ferrari line-ups are similar in some respects. They are composed of drivers capable of driving at their best in practically every circumstance, namely Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, and of drivers who do not always manage to perform at their highest level, meaning Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz. But they can still offer exceptional performances in certain races as a result of a particular psychological motivation.” – Jean Ales added.
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However, this situation does not depend on the tracks, according to the Frenchman: “I would not take into consideration the location where a race is held, but rather the mental approach that each driver applies at a particular moment and therefore on a specific circuit. In short, it does not seem to me to be a question of track but of mindset,” concluded Jean Alesi.
