Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 from Racing Point, becoming Max Verstappen’s fourth team-mate in as many seasons.
The Mexican initially struggled to get along with the Red Bull RB16B car, which is known for requiring a very aggressive driving style, but scored his second F1 win in Azerbaijan.
Perez ended the season strong with podiums in Turkey, the US and Mexico and played a crucial role in keeping Verstappen’s title rival Lewis Hamilton in the decision for the championship in Abu Dhabi.
Referring to his first season at Red Bull, Perez explained how the vastly different car philosophy and lack of pre-season testing – which were cut to just three days for all teams last year – made it difficult to adapt quickly.
“We have to take into account the fact that I’ve come to a very different philosophy of cars that I’ve driven my entire career,” said Perez.
“I think it was a slow adjustment in that regard. But yeah, just a completely different car, a completely different engine, so a lot of things to learn with a new team and basically no tests.
“Before the first race I drove a day and a half. But the whole day was just aero stuff. So I hadn’t done anything before the first race.
“So [there are] Lots of things to consider but overall I think it’s been a promising season. Of course I would have hoped for more, but yes, it is.
“I just have to keep pushing. We’ve had some positive days, we’ve had some negative ones. But we only get stronger as a team the longer we are together. “
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Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB16B
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB16B
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Perez was rewarded for his performance last year with a new contract for 2022, which was signed back in August and will ensure continuity for the team in the coming season.
This year the teams will experience more pre-season test runs – from three to six days – in order to adapt to the revised technical regulations for the new season.
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It will give Perez more time to grapple with the 2022 Red Bull after having less practice time last year due to the reduction in Friday sessions from 90 to 60 minutes compared to previous seasons.
“It will sound strange but I don’t have the time,” said Perez.
“I think the limited amount of testing, the limited amount of practice in the car [had an impact] because every circuit is different.
“So it was probably a little harder to be such a different car that I went to. I am not alone here. I think we have seen other very good drivers who have had a hard time getting their cars. “
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