The legend of Red Bull’s second seat is widely told. From Daniel Ricciardo’s departure to the trial-and-error cases of Gasly and Albon and, for the time being, Sergio Perez. To put it simply, dueling the Dutch Lion of Milton Keynes isn’t easy, but somehow Perez survived his first year in the hot seat. Looking back on the past season, says Helmut Marko, Perez was the one we were looking for.
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Before Perez, there were many covetous eyes on the 2020 Red Bull seat. Mostly from Pierre Gasly, who was expecting a comeback after taking his Toro Rosso to the top of the podium; but stronger, Nico Hulkenberg. After Renault showed him the door in 2019, Hulkenberg had the spirit and experience Red Bull could have worked with.
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But then Sergio Perez came fresh from his celebrations after the 2020 Sakhir GP. In an absolutely breathtaking drive from the bottom of the grid to the top step of the podium, Perez had Red Bull’s attention. He had the relentlessness that goes for a Red Bull Driver is characteristic, and therefore would have fit perfectly, and he did.
Looking back, Helmut Marko revealed that he was now sure of the decision he had made. “It’s hard to say because we don’t have Hülkenberg in the car. But Pérez has shown that he has an incredible experience when everything goes well for him and he has done many races at Max’s pace. Because of the bad starting position he came into play, but overall it was the right decision. “
Sergio Perez has proven himself at Red Bull
In all fairness, the first half of the Mexican’s debut season with Red Bull, other than the race win in Baku, was not impressive and also a little worrying. As the summer break approached, the driver market opened up; Gasly was ready to take on the second cop once again.
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However, Perez had his contract extended. Now it was time to prove yourself. “I’ve been in this position before and I will change things, I have no doubts.”
Formula 1 F1 – Turkey Grand Prix – Intercity Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – October 10, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in action with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the REUTERS / Umit Bektas race
And that’s exactly what he did. From the defense at the Turkish GP to the decisive pressure on Hamilton in Abu Dhabi, Perez has more than proven. With a little delay, he helped Red Bull to get very close to Mercedes in the constructors’ championship; but he also fulfilled his role in the second seat.
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Now is the 2022 season – a better chance for a stronger start for the Mexican who is used to working with a leading team. Will the Checo magic also grace the coming season? We wouldn’t doubt it.
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