Sergio Perez showcased a wonderful performance at the season-opener in the Bahrain International Circuit. The Mexican had to start from the pit lane, in the last place but brilliantly finished fifth.
The 31-year-old joined Red Bull for the 2021 season, after his previous stints at teams like Sauber, McLaren, and Force India (later known as Racing Point). Thus Perez has driven alongside many drivers prior to Max Verstappen.
Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during the Red Bull Racing filming day at Silverstone on February 23, 2021, in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images for Red Bull Racing)
The Milton-Keynes stable is a new atmosphere for Checo and he is still adapting to the Austrian machinery. Hence, the Mexican driver prioritizes finding out more about RB16B than knowing his Dutch teammate.
Sergio Perez reported, “I have to get used to the car first because it’s not quite right yet. After that, I can find out more about Max, but I think we all know what it’s like to have to drive against him.”
Sergio Perez adapting to his new team Red Bull
Perez didn’t make it to the Q3 at Bahrain and was due to start behind ten cars on Race day. However, Checo ran into some mechanical issues, which lost his engine ignition during the Formation Lap.
The incident forced the Mexican to start from the pit lane, behind all cars on the grid. Nevertheless, Sergio didn’t lose his will and started the race afresh.
Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda prepares to start the race from the pitlane during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 28, 2021, in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
In 2020, Perez started behind everyone during the Shakir Grand Prix and won his first P1 after a miraculous overtaking of 19 cars in that race. Similarly, the veteran driver used his experience in the 2021 season opener at Bahrain and finished fifth behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. He was also voted as the driver of the day for his outstanding performance.
From a pit lane start to a P5 finish
It was an eventful Red Bull debut for @SChecoPerez
And you voted him Driver of the Day in Bahrain! 🏆#BahrainGP 🇧🇠#F1 pic.twitter.com/cu1PVZ7Jhq
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 28, 2021
However, Checo could have even finished first in P1 but couldn’t because of not being familiar with Red Bull’s technology. However, the driver claimed to learn a lot from the Bahrain race and now working with engineers to bring out his full potential in the upcoming race.
We will see Perez alongside his new teammate Max Verstappen behind the wheels of RB16B at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on April 18.
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