Perez: “I feel like I can be a champion with Red Bull”

Sergio Perez doesn’t want to settle for playing the role of number two at Red Bull. The Mexican, who arrived last year, had a mixed but overall good first season, with a highlight being his victory in Baku. Ultimately finishing fourth in the championship, Perez also stood out for his remarkable defense against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi, which allowed Max Verstappen to close the gap on the Briton.

But Sergio Perez is ambitious and he believes he is capable of being more than just number two. « I feel like I have a chance to be a champion with Red Bull. I have to prove myself. I know I can do it, I’m working towards it and I don’t just want to win races, today my goal is to win championships. », declares the Mexican to Fox Sports.

At the age of thirty-two, Perez has already been part of five teams in Formula 1, with 217 starts, 17 podium finishes, and two victories. The Mexican driver achieved his first victory in 2020 in Sakhir, where he emerged victorious after an impressive comeback from last place. Now that he is finally driving for a top team, Perez does not want to hide his ambitions and still hopes to win a championship. However, he knows how to put himself at the service of his team when needed.

If I can support the team and I am not able to fight, I will do everything there like in Abu Dhabi last year. There are moments when you have to prioritize the team, explains “Checo”.

Currently, Perez is third in the championship, just five points behind his teammate Max Verstappen, who is in second place. Although he secured his first career pole position in Jeddah, Perez will have to raise his level of performance in order to hope to join the expected battle between Verstappen and Leclerc.