Sergio Perez is looking to show consistent performances in the upcoming F1 season that will draw level with his World Champion teammate Max Verstappen. With new aerodynamic regulations coming into effect in 2022, Perez is hoping to deliver from the start in his second season at Red Bull.
In a post-season interview with Autosport, the ‘Secretary of Defence’ said of his experience driving for Red Bull:
“It wasn’t easy but it took me to another level and having Max as a teammate really takes you to a new level. At this point in my career I’m enjoying it a lot, I’m very happy and that’s the most important thing. I think the most important thing I was missing was the consistency of being at 100% with the car all the time. I need to up my game for next year. And yes, hopefully we can all move on.”
After almost a decade racing for midfield teams, Perez finally got the chance to race for a top team in 2021. Although he struggled at times to keep up with teammate Verstappen, his performances on race day nonetheless endeared him to his team.
Perez has an excellent reputation as an incredibly consistent rider who can get the most out of his tires. The Mexican has often been compared to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for his tire-saving ability.
Sergio Perez regularly stole podiums from top teams
Although Perez showed incredible promise early in his F1 career, his hopes of driving for top teams never fully materialized until 2021. Still, he was always known for punching above his weight. In just under a decade, Perez claimed 10 podiums — including one win — for midfield teams.
When he made his debut at Sauber, Perez was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy but decided to part ways with Scuderia in 2013 when McLaren offered him a seat to replace the outgoing Hamilton.
Perez’s decision to join McLaren was widely seen as the right move given McLaren’s form prior to 2013. The season was a disaster and Perez was promptly dropped at the end despite some good performances.
Sergio Perez
8 podiums in Formula 1
Helped Force India transition to Racing Point
Loved by everyone at the factory
Stuck with the team due to major financial difficulties
Hasn’t been beaten by a teammate since 2015
This man deserves his place and more
#KeepCheco
Sergio Perez-8 podiums in Formula 1 Helped Force India transition to Racing Point. Loved by everyone at the factory. Stuck in the team through major financial problems. Hasn’t been beaten by a teammate since 2015. This man deserves his place and more #KeepCheco https://t.co/LITxC6KIAB
The Mexican’s hopes of fighting for the championship and wins appeared to be over and he returned to the sport with Force India. He stayed with the team for the next seven years as it became Racing Point and scored 8 of his 10 podiums for the team.
His surprise win at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix was one of the highlights of his career and showcased his immense talent for pulling out most of the car without damaging the tyres. After being tipped into a spin by Charles Leclerc on Lap 1, Perez was last, almost 10 seconds behind the field.
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Still, he kept his composure to put himself back in contention for the podium. When the dominant Mercedes duo was disadvantaged by a botched pit stop, Perez drove home to claim his first career win.
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