The Mexican is adamant he is ‘getting stronger and stronger’ and can topple his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen in the future
Ask any self-respecting Formula 1 driver whether they believe they can be world champion one day, given the right machinery and a fair crack of the whip, and you are only ever going to get one answer. Sergio Perez is no exception.
“Certainly,” replies the Mexican as we sit down in Red Bull’s paddock home at Interlagos on the eve of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix; a race Perez hopes will see him cement second spot in the drivers’ championship. “Certainly I believe it. At the beginning of the year, if you look at it, I was matching Max [Verstappen]. It’s just about being more consistent. But I’m still learning. It’s my second year with the team. I believe I’m getting stronger and stronger.”
There will be those who roll their eyes at such talk. Indeed, such has been Verstappen’s superiority this year – the Dutchman is chasing his 15th win of the season this weekend, his ninth in 10 races and currently holds a whopping 136-point lead over his team-mate – one wonders whether Perez himself even believes what he is saying.
But the Mexican is adamant. “Clearly Max is really driving at a very high level this season,” he admits. “He got better from the last season so he’s obviously doing a fantastic job. I’ve got no problems with that. I just need to work hard, work closer with my team and try to beat him next year. I would not be in F1 if I did not believe I could do it.”