The thrilling race to become champion between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris is now nearing the conclusion. Both men need help from their team to take points off their competitors. While in large Oscar Piastri has done so, Sergio Perez has not.
Perez is down in eighth place in the championship. His poor form this season is also costing Red Bull, which currently sits second in the constructors’ standings. But Checo wants to put his bad form behind him and secure a podium at the Mexico Grand Prix this weekend.
Perez looks to put poor form to bed with a home podium
Checo last stood on the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix back in April. This barren run has seen his good start crumble as he continues to slide down the pecking order.
However, the 34-year-old wants to focus on delivering a podium at his home race, saying, “Mexico is the biggest weekend of the season for me, and every year it seems to get bigger. The important thing is to be able to shut out the noise off track and focus on the job in hand.”
A special moment in Mexico 🥹
Sergio Perez finally took to the podium at home in 2021 – the first ever Mexican to do so 🇲🇽#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/3sB5MYeQPU
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 24, 2024
“Ultimately, the special thing for me would be to deliver another podium for my fans and my country, at home. I will do everything I can to make my country smile come Sunday evening.”
Perez last stood on the podium at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in 2022. He must improve on his last visit, which saw him crash out on turn 1. But there are many reasons why he might struggle to finish in the top three.
What are the consequences if Sergio Perez fails to deliver in Mexico?
Failure to perform in Mexico could be another nail in Perez’s coffin. He must use home advantage to show off his best skills in the cockpit. But with rumors about his future failing to disappear, the pressure will only increase with another poor race weekend.
The six-time race winner’s patchy form is costing Red Bull dearly. The team’s hierarchy is considering all options, and if Perez fails to deliver, he could find himself forced into early retirement or replaced by youngster Liam Lawson.
Perez is watching over his shoulders at the Kiwi. He knows that if Lawson continues to show his speed like in Austin, Red Bull will be ruthless and replace the Mexican. All he can do is return to best in the final five races, starting with his home race.
