Formula One

Sergio Perez wins tightly-fought Monaco grand prix after red flag

Andrew Rickert

30 May 2022 — 3 min read

Sergio Perez has won an intense Monaco grand prix as Charles Leclerc suffered heartbreak at home once again.

Sergio Perez celebrates his victory on the podium in Monaco. *(Getty Images/Red Bull)*

Red Bull kept their drivers out slightly longer on intermediate tyres, making the most of clear air to gain the track advantage on their Ferrari rivals.

Perez held off the charge from Carlos Sainz to take his first victory of the 2022 season and cement his place as a championship contender.

"It was really hard for me to think straight after the race, I was full of adrenaline and so much energy going through the race,” said Perez.

“Once I heard my national anthem on the podium here it hit me.”

“It's a dream come true for any driver in the world to tick that box in Monaco and I can just be extremely happy.”

The race start was suspended by an hour as heavy rain drenched the streets of the principality, with all drivers forced onto wet tyres behind the safety car.

Polesitter Charles Leclerc held his cool at the start and had just pitted for intermediate tyres when it became clear the track was dry enough for slicks.

Red Bull held their drivers out for an extra lap, gaining the all-important track position over the Ferraris.

Perez led Sainz, with Verstappen holding off Leclerc for the final podium position.

Sergio Perez at the head of the lead pack in the Monaco Grand Prix. *(Pirelli)*

Mick Schumacher crashed heavily midway through the race in the swimming pool section, bringing out the red flag as the barriers were repaired.

The red flag allowed drivers the chance to change tyres, with Red Bull swapping its drivers to medium while Ferrari stuck with their hard tyres.

The hard tyres proved to be the correct choice strategy-wise, with Sainz and Leclerc able to catch up towards the time-certain end of the race.

As Perez's medium tyres faded, the gap between the top four fell to just three seconds, but the Mexican was able to hold off the chasing pack around the tight street circuit to claim victory.

Tyre strategy throughout the Monaco Grand Prix. *(Pirelli)*

“This win was for my mum and all my family, she was very sick last week, so I had very good motivation going into this race to get her a victory,” said Perez.

“It’s been an incredible day, I'm super happy for the whole team and I hope my country is proud too.”

“You don’t win Monaco many times in your life, so the first one is very special.”

Verstappen slightly extended his lead of the championship standings with his finish in front of Leclerc, with Perez now just six points behind Leclerc in third.

“Max hasn’t quite had the car where he wanted this weekend, but he’s pleased with that result, he’s beaten Charles and kept his championship lead, which was the goal,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.

The Formula One World Championship returns 10-12 June in Baku.

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2022 Formula One World Championship - Monaco Grand Prix