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Why Sergio Perez deserves all the credit, despite a tough last season
- Ludo van Denderen
If Sergio Perez's expected farewell at Red Bull Racing actually becomes finalised, the Mexican's Formula 1 career would - or it is expected to - come to an end. Although his performance last season was quite disappointing, Max Verstappen's teammate deserves all the credit in retrospect. After all, if anyone did more than making everything out of his career in the competition, it is Perez.
It is easy to judge Sergio Perez from the sidelines. Sure, with the RB20 in which Verstappen became world champion, while he barely managed to impress. But as the Dutchman said recently, 'Checo is not an idiot'. In his 14 seasons in Formula 1, he has managed to collect six victories, finished 39 times on the podium and achieved three pole positions, while also finishing in second place in the 2023 world championship. Most drivers in the sport will never be able to put together such a record.
Being Perez is not easy
It may sound strange, but being Sergio Perez is certainly not easy. Of course, he has a seven figure income and the support of an entire country that back their driver in everything he does. The latter can also be considered a huge burden, as support soon turns into expectations - expectations that are too high. In Mexico, everyone still expects - or, even, demands - Perez to become Formula 1 world champion, fuelled in part by the often absurd statements of Perez's father, Antonio Perez Garibay. And then you as 'Checo' Perez have to perform, even if that is no longer in the cards.
Perez is not of the calibre of a Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc. He never has been either. Perez is an excellent second driver, someone who earned his occasional win. At least, he was, because the 34-year-old Perez is no longer the driver he was, say, five years ago. That is no shame, everyone gets older and on some, the years affect sporting performance sooner than others. See Fernando Alonso.
Perez is not a quitter
The realisation that it is 'gone' is hard, and it is quite understandable that Perez has struggled to accept that it is better to do something else. In Hungary, he made an interesting statement on this matter, answering GPblog's question. This site asked him if he still enjoyed racing in Formula 1? His answer was telling.
"Yes… I'm really finding it... I wouldn't say fun, I would say a challenge, something that mentally is really tough, and the easiest way will be just to give up, after the career I've had, just to say it's been enough. But it's not what I want to teach my kids, it's not what I want to show, that sort of character," Perez explained.
Remembering the great years
The warrior, who never gives up or quits; that is the Sergio Perez of the recent months. For his children, for his huge fan base, but certainly also for himself. While many advised him to say goodbye, Perez remained hopeful and confident of turning it around. Against his better judgment. As aforementioned, it is all to be understood.
Possibly he believes the likely, forced farewell is a defeat. That is far from the case. After all, Sergio Perez has had a wonderful career. That is what his focus should be on, that should be remembered. Not his final, tedious season at Red Bull Racing.
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