Sergio Perez “proud” to secure P2 in the F1 championship after an “intense” 2023 season

Sergio Perez admitted that he faced some difficult times during the 2023 F1 season.

Sergio Perez “proud” to secure P2 in the F1 championship after an “intense” 2023 season

Sergio Perez on the Las Vegas GP podium (Via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez has had a rough 2023 F1 season. Despite winning two rounds in the opening races, the Mexican driver struggled in the rest of the year. However, Checo has finally secured the runner-up spot in the standings after outscoring Lewis Hamilton. Now, Perez has admitted that it was difficult to claim second place in the championship.

The Mexican driver was filled with pride to be part of Red Bull’s first 1-2 in the world championship. With Max Verstappen having a dominant run in 2023. The Austrian team had never bagged the top two spots in the standings despite having won six Drivers’ titles. Sergio Perez reckoned that this was a historic feat for Milton Keynes.

I am very proud to secure the team's first 1-2 in the Drivers' Championship, it's a massive piece of history for us.
Sergio Perez said as reported by @JunaidSamodien_/X

Checo admitted that the 2023 campaign was quite intense. The Mexican driver claimed that he achieved some of the highest points in his career. However, Sergio Perez even faced some hardships throughout the season including a string of weekends where he failed to Qualifying in the Top 10. The 33-year-old claimed that he will grow as a human after this season. As Perez bounced back from some of the worst moments in his racing career.

FS Video
It has been a very intense year, the highs in the year have been extremely high, but the lows have been super low. As a driver and a human, being to come back from those tough moments, is what I take the most from this season.

Sergio Perez thanks Red Bull and his fans for supporting him throughout 2023

The 33-year-old opened up about his mental health taking a toll during the season. However, Sergio Perez pointed out that despite the tough situations, he and his team have prevailed as the Mexican driver secured the runner-up spot this year. Checo extended his thanks to Red Bull and his massive fanbase for their continuous support throughout this season.

Mentally it was very tough at times, but we have managed to overcome all those issues and get the job done. Thanks to my team, and everyone who supported me.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)

Sergio Perez was under immense pressure for the majority of the 2023 season. Rumors had surfaced that Red Bull was planning to replace the Mexican driver with Daniel Ricciardo for next year if he had failed to take P2 in the championship. Although, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and consultant Dr. Helmut Marko had denied such speculation.

Nevertheless, Sergio Perez seems to have done his job at the Las Vegas GP. The Mexican driver had an impressive drive and finished on the podium with a gap enough to claim the runner-up spot in the championship. Although, it remains to be seen Checo can build upon this momentum and potentially fight Verstappen next season.

In case you missed it: