Sergio Perez is set to remain with Red Bull Racing next season, continuing as Max Verstappen’s teammate. However, doubts about his future have grown due to a significant dip in performance. After starting the season strongly with three one-two finishes alongside Verstappen in the first four races, Perez’s form took a downturn. Since the fifth race in China, he has not secured a single podium finish and has fallen to eighth place in the Drivers’ Championship standings—the lowest among drivers from the top four teams. Meanwhile, Verstappen is on the brink of clinching another World Championship, which could happen as early as the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Speculation about Perez’s future intensified in recent months, with a rumor suggesting that he might announce his retirement during his home race at the Mexican Grand Prix. Perez quickly dismissed the claims, taking to social media with a playful response. He shared a famous scene from The Wolf of Wall Street, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character defiantly declares, “I’m not f***ing leaving!” The post, captioned “Sorry,” was a clear message from Perez reaffirming his intent to stay in Formula 1.
This Is How Perez Deals With Media And Rumors
Sergio Perez recently addressed the criticism he has faced from pundits and media regarding his performances, especially when compared to his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen. Speaking on the topic, Perez shared that he deals with such scrutiny by adopting a humorous perspective. While acknowledging that many professional journalists approach their work with integrity, he noted that some members of the European media lack professionalism and often sensationalize stories.
Perez explained that it can be challenging to accept criticism as an athlete, especially after a poor race or when decisions on track don’t go as planned. However, he believes in being honest with himself and recognizing areas for improvement. Despite the media noise, Perez focuses on his own performance, prioritizing preparation and growth as a driver. For him, the ultimate measure of success is what he accomplishes on the track, which he views as the most important aspect of his career.
Perez Focusing On One Race At A Time
Sergio Perez recently opened up about the challenges of competing in Formula 1, particularly during tough phases of his career. He acknowledged that such moments inevitably attract intense scrutiny and criticism from the public. Despite this, Perez remains mindful of his unique position, recognizing that many drivers on the grid would aspire to achieve the success he has experienced.
According to Perez, life as an F1 driver is often consumed by a forward-thinking mindset. The focus is always on the next race, the next challenge, or securing the next contract, creating a constant drive for progress and improvement. This relentless pursuit can sometimes make it easy to overlook past achievements. However, Perez believes in the importance of occasionally taking a step back to reflect on his journey and appreciate the milestones he has reached.