But after impressing through his go-karting career, he set his sights on F1, drawn by the series’ exotic nature. Growing up, Pérez, known by his nickname “Checo,” saw most Mexican drivers racing in Ind圜ar. He is not going to give it anything less than 100%, and he won’t settle for second. It all formed a mental fortitude that, even nearing the closing stages of his time in F1, has prepared him to play a role in which nobody has yet succeeded.

He has had contracts terminated, gotten tangled in legal battles and lost a well-earned place on the grid. He fought his way to reach F1, only to see his dream with a top team end after a single year. He gave up everything at a young age, leaving all he knew behind in Mexico. But Pérez comes to the role with more than talent. Plenty of aspiring drivers have had their careers derailed by the challenge. In a sport where your teammate tends to double as your chief rival, driving alongside Verstappen - who’s now gunning for his third straight championship - is no easy thing. I think I’m getting closer every single session.” “Finishing second is the maximum I could do today,” he says. Which area is it you still need to work on most to try and get closer to Max and beat him?” Follow live coverage of the Saudi Arabian Grand PrixĪfter being asked about the team’s strong start, Pérez soon gets the question that has never been far from the surface in his three years alongside Verstappen: “But of course you are also a fighter and you want to win.The teammates are in good spirits, having kicked off what looks like another dominant season for Red Bull. “I’ve been here for like 10 minutes!” Pérez replies, then laughs.

“Are you warming up the couch?” Verstappen, the race winner, has arrived.

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