Max Verstappen claims Sergio Perez crashed out of ‘excitement’ at his home race in Mexico

Sergio Perez almost cried out of frustration after being knocked out of his home race in turn 1.

Max Verstappen claims Sergio Perez crashed out of ‘excitement’ at his home race in Mexico

Max Verstappen (R) and Sergio Perez (L) (via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez started the Mexican race from the fifth spot on the grid. Due to his amazing reaction times and slipstream from the two Ferraris ahead, Perez had an opportunity to overtake the two cars ahead of him from the outside line. This caused the two Red Bulls to sandwich Charles Leclerc, causing him to crash and resulting in Checo’s early retirement from the race.

In an interview post-race, Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on the racing incident. The Dutchman empathized with the Mexican and added that he understood Checo’s hunger to be on the podium since it was his home GP. He admitted that it would’ve been great if Perez had successfully completed that risky maneuver

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I understand because it’s his home Grand Prix, you want to be on the podium, I fully understand that. I think he could have left a little bit more space, but at the other end if it would have worked, you look amazing.

Verstappen said as reported by planetf1.com

The reigning world champion also added that the crash took place due to Perez’s ‘excitement’ at his home race. As the 33-year-old competed in front of the local fans. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned for the Mexican as he had promised better results at the Mexico City GP.

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 I think it’s just more like that excitement of wanting to be on the podium and this time it didn’t work out, unfortunately.

How did Sergio Perez react to the race-ending collision?

The incident had caused heavy damage to the car, hence Perez had to face an early retirement from the race. The Mexican was seen punching his steering wheel in the pitlane when he informed about the retirement from the race.

Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

The 33-year-old admitted that he was undoubtedly sad as he missed an amazing opportunity. Perez talked about his great start to the race and how the risky move would’ve helped him boost up to P1 from turn 1. The Mexican driver later added that he wanted to win the race and not just score a podium, as he has been scoring podiums for the past two years.

This retirement from the race puts Perez in an increasingly risky spot in the championship title standings. The difference between Lewis Hamilton and him is a meager 20 points now. Perez needs to perform at his best form in the remaining two races to ensure his runner-up title in the drivers’ championship.

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