Mexican Grand Prix – Sergio Perez’s dilemma

Sergio Pérez is a happy man. Recently extended at Red Bull for 2022, the Mexican driver is coming off two consecutive podiums in Turkey and the United States as his home Grand Prix is scheduled for this weekend.

Cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Mexico Grand Prix is making its return this year at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, much to the delight of the man from Guadalajara. Indeed, the stands at the circuit located on the outskirts of the Mexican capital will be full to welcome the F1 cars and, above all, to support their local hero. A promising prospect for the former Racing Point driver who, for the first time in his career, will compete in his home Grand Prix with a car capable of challenging for podiums and victories.

Despite this, with only five races left in the season, the Mexican driver knows how crucial his role is in the fight for the world titles. A role he has been fulfilling perfectly for the past two races following his very good performances in Istanbul and Austin, which added to his podium finish at Le Castellet and his victory in Baku earlier in the season.

The Red Bull driver will therefore not really have a choice at home and will have to be content with being Max Verstappen’s water carrier during the weekend. With a 35-point gap to Valtteri Bottas, Pérez can also aim for third place in the championship and thus strengthen his employer’s decision to recruit him last year.

Finally, Perez can take advantage of this end of the season to refine his preparation for next season. With a year of experience at Red Bull, the one who started his career at Sauber in 2011 will be able to aim for the title at the beginning of next season and thus give wings to the entire Mexican people.