Mexican ‘Checo’ Pérez reflects on his maiden race win for the Team back at the Red Bull Racing Honda factory following last week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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Sergio Pérez has backed the whole Red Bull Racing Honda team to maximise their cars’ potential after his maiden victory for his new outfit helped them extend their lead in the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship constructors’ standings. Here is all you need to know:
After claiming two fourth places, two fifths and an 11th in his first five races after switching teams in the offseason, the Mexican impressed last Sunday from starting seventh on the grid.
He slotted in behind teammate Max Verstappen as they looked on course late on for a 1-2 then – after the Dutchman’s blown tyre saw him exit – saw Lewis Hamilton make a rare restart error to hold on for the victory.
It was his second Grand Prix victory after winning for Racing Point at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. It means Red Bull Racing Honda now lead Mercedes by 26 points heading to the French Grand Prix.
‘Checo’ Pérez, who also lies 36 points behind Verstappen in the 2021 drivers’ standings, believes that his victory was a culmination of a strong team effort from top to bottom in and out of the cockpit.
The 31-year-old, who was quick to praise reserve driver Alex Albon’s input, revealed: “I feel very, very proud first of all. It just shows hard work always pays off. It’s a great boost for the whole team to know that we got two cars that we can fight and we really want to win this championship.”
