New signing Sergio Perez said he felt « like a dog finding a new family » at Red Bull and promised on Wednesday to help push performance and over-deliver as Max Verstappen‘s Formula One team mate.
Speaking in a team interview during a factory visit, the Mexican said he was adjusting to his surroundings after seven years with the former Force India and Racing Point team that is now Aston Martin.
« You’ve been with a family for so many years, you are used to see them and then all of the sudden you’re changing. But I have to say, I’m starting to feel very comfortable here, » he said.
« It’s a fantastic team, very united and I can see that there’s a lot of fun ahead of us. »
Perez, a winner in Bahrain last year for his first victory in 190 starts, replaced Thai driver Alex Albon after losing his Racing Point seat to four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel.
« I think I know what I need from myself but I also feel that I can push the team forwards in certain areas, just by talking to the team, » said Perez, who finished the 2020 campaign fourth overall.
« I have to wait and drive the car but there’s already some good ideas that we’ve been sharing with the team, that hopefully can bring some performance on track. »
Perez will have Honda engines at Red Bull but brings insight into the power unit used by Mercedes, champions for the past seven years. Last year’s pink-liveried Racing Point was strikingly similar to the 2019 title-winning Mercedes.
Red Bull won twice with Verstappen in 2020 and are looking to Perez, who hailed the Dutchman as one of the fastest drivers out there, to help mount a closer title challenge.
« Now is my big opportunity, » Perez said.
« I have to go onto the next step in all aspects and I think I’m ready for it. The only thing I was lacking was the opportunity. Now I have it, it’s up to me to make it work. I’m going to make sure I over-deliver.
« If we have a car that can win the championship, I’ll make sure we win it. And if not, and we only have a car that’s good enough for third I will make sure that we finish second. »
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30748650/perez-signing-red-bull-felt-dog-finding-new-family
