Perez not to be fooled: "I'm going to take a very relaxed approach to things"

Good position for Red Bull

Red Bull Racing experienced a smoothly run winter test, so it was a fine way for Perez to get used to his new surroundings too. "It was really positive. There was a very limited amount of testing, especially considering the number of things we have to go through and check, but I think we prepared well as a team and I'm looking forward to my first race with Red Bull," explained Max Verstappen's new teammate in Red Bull's preview of Bahrain.

Perez does think he will need some time to really feel completely at home in his new car. "It will be a process for the first few races, just to learn as much as possible and get up to speed quickly so we can be in a good position for the season."

Waiting until qualifying

After the winter tests, Red Bull Racing were frequently labelled as the favourites for this season, but Perez also thinks it's too early for conclusions. "I think the more you try to find out what other people are doing, the more you can lose, so there's not much point in reading into anything. We just have to wait until qualifying and see where everyone is at."

Excited to start racing

Perez finally gets a real chance at Red Bull Racing with a top team, which he will therefore grab with both hands. "This is what I have been dreaming of. I can't wait. I'm really excited to see some fans on the track, to finally be able to race, I'm so looking forward to it."

The Mexican now has 191 Grands Prix entrees to his name and with that experience he won't let anything fool him. "I'm going to take a very relaxed approach to things and just deliver to the maximum and we'll see where we end up."