In his first interview since achieving his F1 ‘dream’, Sergio Perez talks about fighting for the title with Red Bull, taking on Mercedes, and the ‘big challenge’ of being Max Verstappen as a team player
By Matt Morlidge
Last updated: 23/01/21 6:10 am
2:14
New Red Bull sign Sergio Perez visits his new team’s factory and talks about his hopes for 2021
New Red Bull sign Sergio Perez visits his new team’s factory and talks about his hopes for 2021
New Red Bull Bull sign Sergio Perez has vowed to be “overdeliver” in his debating season as he looks to make the most of the long-awaited F1 opportunity long, insisting he is ready for the “big challenge” of accepting teammate Max Verstappen and world heroes Mercedes.
In one of the biggest transfer developments last year, Perez lost his Racing Point seat to Sebastian Vettel for 2021 but then received an award at the end of a superb season – which included a maiden victory – with the Red Bull driver after the team, Mercedes major title contender, with Alex Albon.
That means Perez, who with a 191 race will immediately start to become one of the most experienced drivers in Red Bull history, finally has a chance to prove himself towards the front of the grid. this season.
“I’ve been waiting all my career to get a chance with a top team,” Perez said in his first interview with Red Bull during a visit to the team’s headquarters this week. and I think it came at the right time for me. “
Perez admitted that he “never considered Red Bull as an option” before 2020 as he was not part of the Red Bull driver program – which has described stars as Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Verstappen – but e described it as a “dream come true”.
Mexico has never moved for a team that finished above fourth place in the builders ’stand in its 11 years in F1, but is confident and committed to Red Bull’s first tournament. delivered since 2013.
“I’m always pushing for the maximum and last year I finally had a car that I could show a little more and people saw what I can do, but this is my big chance to now, “he explained.
“I must move on to the next step in every direction and I think I am ready for it. The only thing I needed was the opportunity. Now I have it, it’s up to me to make it work.
“I’m going to make sure I get over it. If we have a car that wins the competition, I’ll make sure we win it. And if not, and we only have a car that’s good enough for Third, I’ll make sure we finish second. “
Perez praises Verstappen, Mercedes challenged eyes
Since joining Red Bull in 2016, Verstappen has established himself as an F1 star, and as a driver who is extremely hard to beat. He has seen all three of his former Red Bull teammates and only Ricciardo left the team alone, leaving many describe Red Bull’s second seat as a poisonous chalice ‘.
But Perez says he’s up for the test.
“It’s a big challenge for me,” said the 30-year-old. “We all know Max – how talented, how fast, how much he’s grown in recent years, and how perfect he is. and it is now. It’s definitely one of the best and fastest, if not the fastest out there car on the grid. It is a great challenge.
“In a way, he ‘s been here for a long time, he knows what he needs from the car and I look forward to working with him and pushing forward as a team. “
And Perez is also targeting Mercedes – the winners of the last seven driver and builder competitions in the sport.
The Red Bull won two races last year, bringing in an end-of-season inspiration in Abu Dhabi, and are optimistic about closing the gap.
“We definitely need to close the gap to Mercedes and hopefully they can win with both cars on a regular basis,” Perez said.
“It will take some time to change the whole picture, and I heard from the engineers that they have been working hard this winter.”