Perez vows to ‘overdeliver’ to repay Red Bull’s faith

Sergio Perez says he plans to “overdeliver” in his first year as a Red Bull Formula 1 driver to repay the team’s faith in signing him.

Perez secured a seat alongside Max Verstappen after producing an impressive 2020 season for Racing Point, finishing fourth in the drivers’ championship and claiming a shock maiden victory.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admitted it was “impossible” to ignore Perez’s performances last year when considering whether to sign the Mexican or retain Alexander Albon.

Acknowledging the chance to drive for a race-winning outfit, Perez said it’s now “up to him” to show Red Bull he is capable of delivering results.

“I am always pushing to the maximum and last year I finally had a car that I could show a bit more and people saw what I am capable of, but now is my big opportunity,” Perez said.

“I have to go onto the next step in all aspects and I think I’m ready for it. The only thing I was lacking was the opportunity. Now I have it, it’s up to me to make it work. I’m going to make sure I overdeliver.

“If we have a car that can win the championship, I’ll make sure we win it. And if not, and we only have a car that’s good enough for third I will make sure that we finish second.

“I hope we’re going to have a really good season and it’s the only way I can repay Mr Mateschitz, Dr Marko, Christian, Adrian [Newey] and all the Team. Nobody before has given me the chance to be in a big team.”

Perez’s arrival makes him the first driver outside of the Red Bull fold to occupy one of the two seats since Mark Webber in 2007.

Having raced in over 190 grand prix’s since his F1 debut in 2011 without driving a car capable of constantly winning races, Perez has vowed to grab the opportunity “with both hands”.

“It’s a fantastic brand. Of all the teams in Formula One, I thought there was no chance for me to join it because I wasn’t part of the junior programme, but when the opportunity came I took it, Perez said.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s amazing and hard to imagine. It’s an opportunity that I have worked so hard for – for more than 15 years. I think it’s come at the right time, I’m ready for that and I will grab it with both hands.”