Sergio Perez reveals ‘three-second decision’ over F1 retirement
Sergio Perez has opened up about his thoughts on F1 retirement amid rumors about his future at Red Bull Racing.
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Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)
Rumors surrounding Sergio Perez‘s future security within Red Bull have been doing the rounds in recent weeks. Moreover, the Mexican has been outscored by Max Verstappen at every race that both drivers finished. This led fans to assert that the 34-year-old is a former version of himself and that he should retire. Amidst such pressure, Perez revealed his thoughts on retirement from F1.
Sergio Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 after a myriad of second-driver problems for the Austrian team. The Mexican appeared to be the solution to their problems until recently when the six-time race winner seemingly dropped the ball in races and lost a considerable amount of points. Consequently, Red Bull lost the lead in the constructor’s standings to McLaren.
Subsequently, fans looked at how underwhelmingly Perez was performing in comparison to Max Verstappen and stated that he should retire in order to save himself from getting more embarrassed. Perez, however, considered it but decided not to give up so easily.
I thought about [retiring] for the last six months. But it took me three seconds to make a decision, because I told myself, ‘Look, it would be the easy way to leave after so many years and in a way to give up.’ No, I would’ve never forgiven myself, I want to finish my career when I want, not when someone tells me.
Sergio Perez said in an interview with DAZN
Perez explained that retiring from F1 would mean giving up on his dream and that he would have never forgive himself later down the line. And that is why he decided to stay in the sport and fight for his sport every weekend.
Sergio Perez explained the difficulties that he has to face due to the 24-race calendar
With F1 increasing the number of races to an all-time high in 2024, multiple drivers have complained about how it has been difficult to manage their work-life balance. On the other hand, Formula One Management (FOM) has expressed interest in increasing this number from 24 to many more in the coming years, which could add more stress to the drivers.
Sergio Perez has also been quite vocal about his stance on the issue and explained why he would not b racing well in his 40s like Fernando Alonso.
I have two years of contract, and it’s a long time in F1. I don’t see myself keep driving like Fernando, who I admire a lot with all he does at his age. Not because I don’t want to [drive in F1 until much later in his life], but because I have young children, so I want to spend a lot more time with them, and this 24 races calendar is complicated.
Sergio Perez said in an interview with DAZ
Despite his concerns, FOM is understood to be amending the maximum race rule again and increase it soon. Thus, drivers including Perez and many more could find it difficult to stay on the grid due to their increased time away from family.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)