Perez learned from year with Verstappen: 'I've always seen that'

Sergio Perez has not had an easy year. The Mexican joined Red Bull Racing as a replacement for Alexander Albon and had to work hard to stay close to Max Verstappen. Despite the pressure, Perez looks back on the season positively.

The driver was given the task in early 2021 to compete with Verstappen, but that proved impossible. The Dutchman reached such a high level that Perez could only watch. In the last race in Abu Dhabi he could still make his contribution to the world title of Verstappen, for which he received many compliments.

Perez felt it was especially important to remain calm during the season. "You go through good and bad times, and I’ve always seen that you learn more from the bad times," Perez told sponsor Tag Heuer's podcast, The Edge. "The most important thing is not to give up and to always look ahead. There is always a new opportunity. There’s always a new day and you can do better tomorrow."

Perez feels pressure from Gasly at Red Bull

Next season, however, Perez will feel a lot of pressure, as he must do significantly better than 2021. Should he fail to stay close to Verstappen, there is a real chance that Red Bull will choose to bring Pierre Gasly back. The Frenchman has had a good season at AlphaTauri and has hinted at a return on several occasions.