Sergio Perez explains the challenges he faced while making the jump from Racing Point to Red Bull 

In 2021, Perez joined Red Bull Racing, partnering with Max Verstappen, and played a vital role in supporting the team in Constructors' Championship over the last two years.

Sergio Perez explains the challenges he faced while making the jump from Racing Point to Red Bull 

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez was signed by Red Bull in 2021 as Alex Albon‘s replacement. He and his teammate Max Verstappen played a significant role in making them the most formidable team over the last three seasons. While the multi-race winner has established himself as a regular contender, adapting to the team was a tough job for him. It was the first time the Mexican driven a car capable of fighting at least for the podium regularly.

Sergio Perez debuted his F1 journey with Sauber in 2011 and quickly showcased his talent, securing a notable second-place finish in the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix. He then moved to McLaren for the 2013 season, where he achieved several podium finishes. From 2014 to 2020, Perez raced for Force India, later renamed Racing Point, before making the Red Bull move.

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Addressing the difficulties he encountered during his transition from Racing Point to Red Bull Racing, Perez pointed out that he had to amend his driving style to align with the more complex concept of the Milton Keynes side. The team had a significantly different car, system, and culture from his previous teams.

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“It was a challenge. I joined a team in which the car concept was significantly different from what I was used to. Both in terms of vehicle tuning and driving style or tire management. Red Bull cars….different… than Racing Point or a Mercedes. Because they are different in concept,” said Sergio Perez at Singapore GP.

Discover: Sergio Perez explains his MASSIVE gap to Max Verstappen in 2023

Helmut Marko apologies for making Racist remarks about Sergio Perez 

Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko (via GPfans.com)
Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko (via GPfans.com)

In recent interviews with Servus TV, Red Bull Motorsports advisor Helmut Marko drew controversy by making racially insensitive comments regarding Sergio Perez’s cultural identity. He also made comparisons between Perez’s racing style and that of his teammate.

“Let’s remember that he is South American, and so he is not as focused as Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel was,” said Helmut Marko 

After making controversial remarks about Sergio Perez, Helmut Marko faced significant backlash for his comments as they were seen as insulting and racially offensive towards his driver. In response to the backlash, Marko issued an apology statement clarifying the intent behind his remarks.

“I would like to apologize for my offensive remark….I was trying to make a point that Checo has fluctuated in his performance this year, but it was wrong to attribute this to his cultural heritage,” said Helmut Marko on Servus TV

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