Although Sergio Pérez’ departure from Red Bull seemed inevitable after months of criticism and disappointing performances, Pérez also had memorable moments during his time with the team. From victories on iconic circuits to heroic defensive actions: Pérez has shown that he can perform at the absolute top of Formula One. With a nostalgic lens, we present you the five most beautiful moments of Checo’s Red Bull career.
1. Heroic Role in Abu Dhabi (December 2021)
During the 2021 season finale, Pérez kept Lewis Hamilton behind him for several laps in a brilliant defensive stint, which gave Max Verstappen the chance to catch up and ultimately win the world title. With this, Pérez proved himself not only as a brilliant driver, but also as a team player. The quote from team boss Christian Horner, “Checo is a legend”, went around the world.
2. First Victory for Red Bull (Baku, June 2021)
In a chaotic race where Verstappen dropped out due to a blown tire and Hamilton made a mistake at the restart, Pérez remained calm and claimed his first victory for Red Bull Racing. It was one of the most crucial moments of his career and proved his value to the team. As Red Bull’s second man, he proved he was ready when the moment came.
3. Podium Celebration in Mexico (2021 & 2022)
In 2021, Sergio Pérez made history by becoming the first Mexican driver ever to secure a podium finish in Mexico. His third-place finish led to ecstatic scenes in the stadium in Mexico City. In 2022, he repeated this achievement with another third-place finish. The support from the crowd, combined with his emotional reaction, made these moments iconic – not only for his career but also for the sport.
4. The Master of Monaco (May 2022)
In 2022, Sergio Pérez conquered the streets of Monaco, one of the most prestigious races on the Formula 1 calendar. In a strategic masterpiece, he defeated Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, while flawlessly navigating the narrow and unforgiving street circuit. With this victory, he demonstrated his exceptional talent on technical circuits. The traditional dive into Red Bull’s pool was the icing on the cake of an absolute career highlight.
5. Mentally Strong in Singapore (September 2022)
In 2022, Sergio Pérez achieved an impressive victory during the Singapore Grand Prix, showcasing his mental strength and control. On the challenging street circuit, where mistakes are ruthlessly punished, he led the race from start to finish. Despite constant pressure from Charles Leclerc, Pérez remained cool and error-free, proving once again that he belongs to the absolute top on technical circuits.
Convincing Peak Moments
Pérez’s time at Red Bull was marked by highs and lows, but his best moments show that under the right conditions, he belongs to the absolute top. The performances he delivered in races like Monaco, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi are impressive for any driver. Especially considering the immense pressure that comes with racing alongside Max Verstappen in a team that demands nothing less than perfection.
Despite his departure from the Red Bull team, these highlights remain a testament to his talent and resilience. Whatever the future holds, Sergio Pérez will always be remembered for the moments when he shone, even in one of the most demanding teams in Formula 1.
