‘Checo’ Pérez reached his best moment in his fourth decade of life.
In 2020, having just turned 30, and after 194 Grand Prix in Formula 1, the Mexican driver achieved his first victory in the category.
With that cry of glory in Sakhir, wearing the colors of the then BWT Racing Point, the only Latin American who has animated the big top in the last five years certified that he was ready for great things.
And 770 days later, there is no longer any doubt.
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Last year, with his arrival at Red Bull, a more renowned team, Pérez showed that he could be the ideal squire for the young Max Verstappen.
This 2022, the Mexican pilot has exhibited such skill that the fairest conclusion is that you can go head to head with the team leader.
The first pole of his career (Saudi Arabia), two victories (Monaco and Singapore), and seven podiums that make him third in the World Championship, just two points behind the second, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, confirm this .
Today, with the title sentenced for his team and his teammate, Pérez takes on a personal challenge: to be the winner of the Grand Prix of Mexico.
Hours before immersing himself in the Hermanos Rodríguez racetrack, where he has shown that he could drive without problems with his eyes closed, ‘Checo’ attends EL TIEMPO. In the talk, a feeling: this is just beginning.
(You may be interested: ‘Juan Pablo Montoya has everything to win more titles’: Mario Andretti).
Red Bull, anticipated champion of both World Championships… what is left for ‘Checo’ Pérez?
Without a doubt, win all the remaining races. That is my goal every time I go out on the track. Beyond wanting to be runner-up or something like that, the important thing is to win. There is no more: win and give everything.
It’s time for the Mexican Grand Prix…
Yessss. Coming home at a great time makes me very excited. Winning here has always been my dream. If you ask me, I prefer to stay with the victory here than to be runner-up in the World Cup.
Do you feel that your figure has revived the passion for motorsports in your country?
That’s right… we spent 30 years without a Mexican in Formula 1 and 50 without a Grand Prix winner. That is why I think it is very satisfying to be the benchmark for these generations. I am very proud to be able to represent all Mexicans in the world.
2022 has been the best season of his career. What to say about that victory in the Monaco GP, after so many bitter drinks there?
Quietly it can be the best day of my life as a pilot. Monaco is the race that everyone wants to win, it is that race that you dream of conquering since you seek to dedicate yourself to this. Living it was very very special, I hope I can repeat it.
Later, in his second victory, at the Singapore GP, he practically reinvented himself in the same weekend…
Hehehe yes. On Friday of practices I think I had what has been the worst this year. It started to rain on the track and it doesn’t dry quickly there. Then I was second in the standings and it kind of improved. On race day I started very well and we pretty much dominated the whole time. In the end, despite that five-second penalty that we brought, we stayed with the victory.
Perhaps this year was the one in which people ratified that they can compete face to face with Verstappen. How to explain to fans the usual law: that in Formula 1 your teammate is the first rival?
Well, F-1 is a sui generis sport for that very reason. As it is, your teammate is your first rival, and it is logical because he is also your reference, for better or for worse (laughs). Max is a great driver and I am sure we have both learned from each other.
He said it a year ago, after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: “’Checo’ is a legend…”
That end of the year was supremely special. Max was fighting for the championship and I was able to contribute to make a difference and make the team champion.
What balance do you make of this second year at Red Bull?
I am happy, but not satisfied, I want to be world champion and fighting for second or third place is not the goal. However, I have had good moments, one pole position, two victories…, so we are going for more. But I will not rest until I am world champion.
In a historically European sport, he has been the only Latin American present in recent years…
Well, I’m the only one now, but there has always been a Latin tradition. Now it is a great pride to represent not only Mexico. I am also very grateful for the way the fans in Latin America show me their support. So the responsibility is much bigger.
In his case, he struggled for nine years in the category to reach a team that fights at the top…
Motorsport is not easy. You always have to fight for your dreams and really don’t give up. In the end I feel that time puts everyone in their place.
What does it take for another driver from this side of the world to enter Formula 1?
Hmm, the truth is, I don’t know about the projects in other countries, but for anyone to get to F-1 is a very difficult path. You have to have a lot of patience, a lot of hunger for victory and have the support. When everything comes together, then it’s time to start being consistent in Europe and fight with everything to achieve the goal. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible.
His gradual scale with Red Bull, guaranteed renewal until 2024, allows him to think of great things… What can be expected from ‘Checo’ for next year?
Right now I’m not thinking about it. I am focused on the end of this season and closing in style. The only thing I can guarantee is that I will do what I have always done: give it my all on the track.
ANDRES FELIPE BALAGUERA SARMIENTO
SPORTS JOURNALIST EL TIEMPO
Networking: @balagueraaa
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