F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Perez reveals most memorable race with Red Bull in 2021

Sergio Perez endured a roller-coaster first year with Red Bull Racing, but there is one memory from 2021 that the Mexican will forever cherish.

Although consistently outpaced during the season by his blindingly fast teammate Max Verstappen – as most drivers would have been – Perez was nevertheless able to contribute 190 points to his team's tally which in turn helped Verstappen secure the world title.

The track record included his win in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but that wasn't the highlight of Perez's season.

Instead, the 31-year-old nominated his podium in his home race in Mexico City has his emotional climax in 2021.

"That was a very nice moment for myself, for my career because I had all of the people that had been with me since day one," Perez told TAG Heuer’s 'The Edge".

"And you cannot forget the fact that last year [at the end of 2020], I didn’t have a drive. I would probably have ended my career in Formula 1 if Red Bull didn’t give me the opportunity.

"Just to have all my fans, my crowd, my family, all of the people that have been with me since day one… Carlos Slim, my main supporter of my career since day one, gave me the trophy so it was very unique and a very special moment for both of us.

"It was great, but it is not enough. I want to win my home grand prix one day."

Reflecting on the past and on the period of uncertainty that he went through in the latter part of 2020, Perez's take away as that one learns more from the difficult time and that patience and persistence pays off.

"I always think you learn more from the bad times, and the most important thing is not to give up and always look ahead," he said.

"There’s always a new opportunity, there’s always a new day and you can do better tomorrow."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

1 hour ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

2 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

3 hours ago

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

5 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

5 hours ago