At Red Bull, Sergio Pérez is mostly overshadowed by Max Verstappen. Nevertheless, the Mexican is having a strong season in Formula 1. The veteran even thinks he can win the world title.
Sergio Pérez is currently in third place in the drivers’ standings in Formula 1 with 163 points. Only Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (170) and teammate Max Verstappen (233) are ahead of the 32-year-old. Pérez also won the Monaco Grand Prix this season.
But the Red Bull driver hasn’t had enough. On the contrary: Pérez wants more, as he explained in an interview with “Sport Bild”. When asked if he could become world champion, “Checo” replied: “Definitely! If everything is right and I drive perfectly, I can beat anyone in Formula 1.”
This also applies to the team-internal duel with Verstappen. “I’ve shown that several times this season,” explained Pérez: “Unfortunately, it won’t be a sure-fire success.” The Dutchman has “an incredible quality”, is “extremely mellow for his age” and has “a very good feeling for the car”.
“That’s why the question isn’t whether I can beat him in a weekend, but how many races I can finish ahead of him. It’s about consistency. That distinguishes a champion,” said Pérez.
“I’ve seen pretty much everything in Formula 1”
The Mexican was convinced that he had this consistency: “My experience helps me there. I’ve seen pretty much everything in Formula 1. Added to this is the hard work with the team and the energy I put into strength training, among other things . I’m potty. I get a lot of self-confidence from these things.”
Pérez continues: “That’s why I have no doubts that I can become a champion.” He himself is “on the best team in the world”. “The amount of knowledge and talent that comes together here is unbelievable. In Max, I have an absolutely world-class driver as a teammate. We get along well and work together on Red Bull’s success,” said the Mexican.
Nevertheless, he feels “very good” in the Red Bull car, “but not perfect”. “At the beginning of the season I had a top speed. Now we have further developed the car and it no longer suits my driving style 100 percent. I have to adapt because it currently suits Max and his driving style better,” revealed Pérez . He had to “get used to it as soon as possible,” said the Verstappen colleague.
“Formula 1 will be your life”
At 32, Pérez is now one of the most experienced pilots in the premier class field. Nevertheless, Pérez is far from thinking about quitting.
“I still have a contract until 2024, but I can’t imagine that I’ll end my career then. I’m too young for that and I’m still having too much fun,” said the World Cup bronze medalist: “Even if the sport is a lot Takes time. But that’s the way it is. Formula 1 will be your life. And you can’t just leave that behind.”