Sergio Perez believes his fourth F1 campaign with Red Bull will be his best as he aims to bounce back from his crushing defeat in 2023 at the hands of his dominant teammate Max Verstappen.
Last season, Perez endured a rollercoaster ride alongside Verstappen. Despite starting the season strong with two early wins, the Mexican driver progressively lost his footing while his redoubtable teammate disappeared into the distance.
Verstappen eventually went on to claim a record-breaking 19 wins on his way to his third world title, leaving Perez a distant second in the championship, a whopping 290 points adrift.
But with a winter break to reset and refocus, the 34-year-old driver heads into the 2024 Formula 1 season with renewed confidence and a hunger to prove himself once again in the final year of his current contract with Red Bull.
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“Obviously, people are aware of the challenge that I’m facing and it is right. I think it’s a massive challenge,” he said, quoted by Reuters.
“Max is a driver that really takes the maximum out of you so it’s a great challenge and one I’m looking forward to massively. It’s my fourth season with the team and I’m sure it will be the best one.”
The rumor mill is already spinning with names of drivers earmarked as potential replacements for Perez, with VCARB’s Daniel Ricciardo often cited as a strong candidate to take over the Mexican’s coveted seat.
But Perez insists he’s still facing “a long way ahead” in Formula 1, at Red Bull or elsewhere.
“If we are performing well on track, there will be plenty of opportunities out there,” he said.
“So that’s my main target and my main motivation for this year to really perform well.
“I still think that I’m at my best, I still have a lot to give, being part of the Red Bull family for four years. It’s a massive bonus. It’s a great opportunity.
“I’m still young, and still motivated. So there’s still a long way ahead,” he concluded.
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