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Analysis | Why Perez opted for a do-or-die effort in Mexico
- Ludo van Denderen
There seemed to be disappointment and resignation at the same time. After his desperate attempt to pass Charles Leclerc on the first lap of the Mexican Grand Prix - which he had to pay for with a retirement - Sergio Perez seemed to realise that it is never going to happen: crossing the finish line as a glorious winner in his home race, sending millions of Mexicans into absolute ecstasy.
Imagine being Sergio Perez: Formula 1 driver, driving for the best team on the grid. Adored by millions of Mexican fans, all wanting something from you, following you everywhere. Wanting to be photographed with you. Wishing for an autograph. No, demand. People who also support you to take the world title. But you have a team-mate, the best driver in the world, who's taking everyone to pieces. Including you.
Of course, you get paid well to perform. Excellently paid even. But still, your stress level is high. Inhumanly high. Every day, you read in all the languages of the world how you are actually underperforming for Red Bull Racing. That Daniel Ricciardo is eagerly waiting in the wings to take over your seat. How Helmut Marko makes one critical remark after another about your performance. You may be in your last weeks at the top of Formula 1. Maybe in Formula 1 at all.
Imagine you are Sergio Perez.
Why did Perez take so much risk in Mexico?
His start from fifth in the Mexican Grand Prix was excellent. His failed overtaking attempt on Charles Leclerc at the first corner certainly was not. Far too optimistically on Sunday, Perez dived into a gap that was not actually there. What followed was a collision with Leclerc. Barely a kilometre had been driven, and for home hero Perez, the Grand Prix was already over. A bigger deception could hardly have been imagined for the man who has been under a magnifying glass for two seasons.
Why did Perez take so much risk at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez? Why the huge rush? Surely, Perez must have known he would eventually pass Leclerc with his RB19. That's how much more speed the Red Bull had compared to the Ferrari. Had Perez been more patient, he would undoubtedly have crossed the finish line second, behind the untouchable Max Verstappen.
Once showered, Perez indicated that do-or-die action was actually meant to be: yes, he could have taken a podium. But Perez had been on that Mexican podium so many times before, he said. Now Perez wanted to win. Only win, and only an overenthusiastic action at the first corner could help him do that.
Does Perez know his days are numbered?
Of course, Perez would have made an entire nation proud with a win. Moreover, had he shown Red Bull he was indeed good enough for the seat next to Verstappen. But there was something tragic about his rationale for taking all the risk in the world. It was as if Perez now realised that this was his very last chance to win the Mexican Grand Prix and that there won't be another attempt next season because the team will sideline him. Was that Perez realising that?
After all, what would you have done if there was basically no future for you at Red Bull and possibly in Formula 1? What would you have done if you were Sergio Perez?