Perez explains why he extended his contract: 'I'm working great with Max'

The first season as a Red Bull Racing driver is over for Sergio Perez. The Mexican achieved mixed results, but he often played an important role in the racing of teammate Max Verstappen. Perez is enjoying his time with the team.

Perez is grateful

Red Bull made quick work of a contract extension, meaning Perez will drive at the team at least until 2023. Who will take the second seat after that is unclear, but the Mexican is at least happy with his place in the team.

"I really enjoy working with the team. Red Bull is a huge brand. It is a lot of work, relative to what I used to do in other teams, but I enjoy it. I feel like I'm a great part of it," Perez says in sponsor Tag Heuer's podcast, The Edge.

He gets along well with teammate Verstappen. "I'm working great with Max, with the race engineers, with all the team in general. I'm here because I fully believe I can become world champion. I'm very thankful to Red Bull for extending my contract."

Lots of challenge at Red Bull

However, the 31-year-old driver says that it is much more intense to drive for a team like Red Bull. Because it is such a big brand, there are many obligations that keep the drivers busy. Perez finds it a challenging experience. Compared to other teams who are not fighting for the world championship or who are not as big a brand as Red Bull, the spotlight at the team is quite intense. A lot is asked of the drivers, both on and off the track.