Message Details – Sergio Perez shares Christian Horner and Helmut Marko’s message over Red Bull future

Sergio Perez has revealed that Red Bull bosses Christian Horner and Helmut Marko told him ‘not to look elsewhere’ after rumours began to circulate that the Mexican may move on following the 2022 campaign.

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Perez linked up with Red Bull ahead of the 2021 season and despite a difficult start went on to play a pivotal role on the track, with his teammate – and world champion – Max Verstappen hailing him a ‘legend’ after the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

However, it seems his Red Bull bosses gave him some much needed reassurance which will no doubt squash any question marks surrounding his future.

In an interview with RacingNews365.com Perez said: “I think we matched really well, really quickly, within the Red Bull family.
“And very early on, Helmut and Christian told me to not look anywhere else, because they wanted to carry on with me.”

The 32-year-old made the switch from Racing Point to Red Bull at the beginning of last term, and following the switch, admitted he did initially find things difficult due to the sheer difference in teams.

“I think it has been a really challenging year from my side, arriving into such a different team, [with] such a different philosophy,” added Perez.

“There are teams in Formula 1 that are closer to each other in terms of driving, in terms of setting up cars, the way you look after the tyres, and here I came to a team that was 100 per cent different.

“It had very little similarities to what I’ve done in Formula 1 in the past.”

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The Mexican went on to add that he felt that he had to ‘start from zero’ to adjust to his new surroundings, but in time this has made him a better driver.

He commented: “Basically, I had to start from zero, learn new techniques of setting up the car, of driving the car, and it’s been a great challenge.

“I think it has put me into another level as a driver, [in] that I had to learn a different way of driving
“The car is unbelievable when it’s at its right window.
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“[But] it’s very, very challenging to get the tyres and to get the car in that sweet spot – it’s not been easy.”

After eventually adapting to his new car and surroundings later on in the campaign, Perez revealed he is more than ready to go again in 2022, and continue to build on what was a promising finish to last season.

“When you come to a team that is already fighting for the title, you see all the mistakes [from a driver], and probably if you’re in a team that is under the radar a bit more, you don’t see those mistakes as often.

“I think it’s just part of the process. But I look forward to taking another gear for next year, now that I’m fully adapted with Red Bull.”