Perez struggled mentally: 'The demands were very high from race one'

Sergio Perez is entering his second season at Red Bull Racing. While he had to get used to the Austrian racing team's level of performance last year, his expectations for this season are high. He realizes that all too well, as he told Marca.

Perez had to manage in 2021 what Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon failed to do: fight Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was once again the stronger driver of the formation last calendar year, so Perez had to give up to his teammate. Nevertheless, Perez showed at the end of the season that he could be of value.

Red Bull decided to continue supporting the Mexican driver and hope Perez can reach the required level in his second year. The driver also expects to do more for his team in 2022. Indeed, according to him, the pressure was sky-high last year.

"The demands were very high from race one," Perez reflected in conversation with the Spanish medium. "It was difficult to be immediately at the level of a team that was fighting for the championship. At times it was mentally difficult, but fortunately, we were able to get through it."