Perez ‘learning’ as Verstappen’s teammate: It’s not an easy task

Sergio Perez believes he has been “learning” during his time as Max Verstappen’s teammate, a role that he admits is not an easy one.

Perez joined Red Bull for the 2021 season after the team’s previous drivers – Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon – struggled to match the level of Verstappen.

Since then, the Mexican has added three wins to his tally and currently sits P2 in the 2022 World Championship standings, though remains 136 points adrift of World Champion Verstappen.

While racing alongside Verstappen can be challenging, Perez feels that he has made progress during his second campaign with Red Bull.

Perez reflects on being Verstappen’s teammate

“It’s a great challenge to be his teammate,” Perez told media, including RacingNews365.comafter the Mexican Grand Prix.

“Max is operating at a very high level from FP1 [Free Practice 1] on to the whole weekend, so you certainly [are] learning and trying to beat him and trying to do the stuff he is doing.

“It’s obviously not an easy task. I don’t believe there’s anyone that can come and just beat him straight away. He’s very solid with the team, he’s been here a while.

“So I think I’m just getting closer and closer with the year, so I will give it another shot for next year and see what happens.”

Perez aiming to win in final races

With Charles Leclerc only five points behind Perez in the World Championship battle for P2, the Red Bull driver is aware that the momentum can easily shift.

However, he hopes to maintain the position and has set the goal of achieving another win in the final two races of the 2022 F1 season.

“[The momentum in the battle] can change [from] race to race,” Perez said.

“For now, I just want to go into the next two and aim for the win. There’s nothing more to lose, so we will try everything.

“It’s been a very difficult weekend [at the Mexican Grand Prix] with far too many issues, so we need to put everything together and I believe we can do the next step.”