“I’m here because I think I can be world champion. This is why I get up every morning. »
Posted at 9:52 p.m.
This quote comes from Sergio Pérez. The Red Bull driver met The Press, Wednesday evening. Dressed in white pants and a powder blue shirt, the Mexican exuded a soothing calm. He was quick to say he was delighted to be back in Montreal, “one of the most special weekends of the year”.
“The fans are amazing here and there are a lot of Mexicans and Latin Americans coming. »
The last time Canadian fans saw Pérez in action at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, he was wearing the colors of Racing Point – now called Aston Martin. He had taken the 12e rank, behind among others Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll (his teammate at the time). Let’s say the portrait has changed.
With five podiums including a victory in Monaco in eight Grands Prix this season, Pérez is currently ranked second among drivers. His teammate at Red Bull, defending champion Max Verstappen, is the only one ahead of him. We are therefore dealing with a fratricidal duel at the top.
” This is [un début de saison] even better than I had imagined, to be honest, said the pilot. We had some issues with our reliability, we were a bit unlucky for a few races, but I think overall we were competitive. »
It’s the least we can say.
A great challenge
On May 22, during the Spanish Grand Prix, Pérez was in the lead at 49e lap when he was ordered to let Verstappen get ahead of him. “It’s not fair, but OK,” he hinted into the microphone before executing.
When asked if he had any difficulty accepting the situation, the pilot said no. “I had a good chat with the team,” he said. Asked if he would agree to do it again now that he is well placed in the championship race, he replies that he would trust his team “100%”. “If they told me to do it, I would do what they asked me to do. I don’t see why that wouldn’t make sense. »
The Mexican also claims that he and Verstappen have a “good relationship and a good level of respect for each other”. “He is obviously a very talented driver. He is capable of delivering excellent races and excellent results. It’s a big challenge for me to have him as a teammate. »
But the fact remains that Pérez wants to win. This is his ultimate goal.
If I was here thinking I want to finish second, I should stay home instead. […] I’m here because I want to win and I think I can do it. Having this motivation is what drives me. That’s why I’m here.
Sergio Perez
Perez is 32 years old. For more than 10 years he has been working in the queen discipline of motorsport. He has come a long way.
As recently as 2020 he found himself without a seat after seven years at Racing Point – previously Force India. Two years later, he drives for a top team. And the Drivers’ Championship is more accessible than ever.
“I think I drive at an extremely high level,” he said. Maintaining this level every week and all season is what will open the door to fight for the championship. To be in the race, to think about the championship, about the fact that all the points count, it’s a big challenge and a huge opportunity for my career. »
Life had some good things in store for you, right? we ask him.
” Certainly. We always tell ourselves that we have to make the most of the opportunities given to us. […] That’s what I did. Even if those years with Red Bull had not arrived, I would still be very proud of what I achieved in the sport because I gave my all with what I had. »
mexican pride
With his victory in Monaco on 29 May, his third Grand Prix, Pérez became the most successful Mexican driver in Formula 1 history, surpassing Pablo Rodríguez. But that means “nothing” to him.
“I don’t like comparisons between Mexicans because our country is like that. In my country, we always say: that’s better, that’s worse. I do not like it. As a Mexican, I’m really proud of what others have accomplished, of what I’ve accomplished. I don’t care if I’m the best or not. The important thing is that we are all proud of each other.
“I think there is a lot of talent in my country and I would love to see a Mexican do even better than me. I would feel extremely proud. »