Sergio Pérez: “The longest race of my life, without a doubt”

Deprived of water from the first laps and suffering from a cold, the Mexican experienced a physically complicated Grand Prix. But that didn't stop him from finishing on the podium.

Published on 25/10/2021 à 10:38

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Sergio Pérez: “The longest race of my life, without a doubt”

The Mexican stood on an F1 podium for the 14th time in his career - Photo DPPI

For the 5th time this season, Sergio Perez stands on a podium Formula 1. And the one obtained in Austin (Texas) this weekend was undoubtedly one of the most difficult of his career. If the Mexican had a comfortable lead over his main pursuer, Charles Leclerc (+10″), he had a complicated race on a physical level. After the first laps, the driver Red Bull passed a message on his radio indicating that he could no longer drink. Suffering from a cold the very morning of the United States Grand Prix, the teammate of Max Verstappen had to draw on its resources to bring its car until the end of the test. “ From the first round, I didn't have any drinks at all. I no longer had any strength, I was losing strength in my arms and legs. The vision also became quite uncomfortable. It was just survival mode, trying to keep up. If there had been a bad moment, I wouldn't have been able to control the car. It was the longest race of my life, there’s no doubt about it.”

Nevertheless, Sergio Pérez was able to count on the support of many Mexican fans, who came in large numbers to encourage their national driver, two weeks before the Mexican Grand Prix. “Thank you to everyone who came here to support me. I’m really looking forward to being in Mexico.”