'Checo' Pérez faces his 12th Formula 1 season with the opportunity to fight for the title

The 2022 Formula 1 season is about to begin with the launch of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The preparations are in the right place for the Gran Circo to start a new year full of expectations due to several elements: the change of regulations in the single-seaters, the title fight that does not have a clear favorite and, of course, Sergio Pérez's participation with Red Bull Racing.

For the second year in a row, the Mexican driver will occupy one of the two available seats in the Austrian team with the closest opportunity than ever to fight directly for the title in the Drivers' World Cup. And it is that, in the words of the Jalisco, it is his goal to be champion (all in relation to the role he played in 2021 as Max Verstappen's teammate squire).

In addition, one of the main arguments that Checo has and that stands out from the majority on the grid is his experience on the circuit, as he has been a member of the top category of motorsport for more than a decade. Specifically, with the course of this season the Mexican is already facing his twelfth uninterrupted.

In this regard, Pérez is among a select group of veterans in which he shares a place with names such as Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo or Valtteri Bottas. Another strong point for this year is the configuration of Red Bull as a favorite team, along with Mercedes, having the current champion rider in their ranks and having fought as they did not in the constructors' championship a long time ago.

“(I aspire) to be champion, to make the most of every race and look for that championship,” said Checo in an interview with Marca Claro, adding about his relationship with Verstappen: “We have a good relationship, there is a good atmosphere in the team and we are very excited about this new season.”

The point is that the Mexican will have to make some changes if he wants to meet his goal. At first, his attitude of sacrifice will have to be left aside because if he seeks to win races, selfishness will naturally come to light, mainly in decisions related to his teammate. Secondly, with obligation the level of the pilot will have to rise. In Formula 1, rival number one is your teammate.

In the recent season, in a comparison, the difference between Perez and Verstappen was very marked. While the Mexican reached the podium five times, the Dutchman did so in 18. In a matter of points there was a difference of 205.5 (396.5 against 190). The team decisions did not benefit the harvest of units for Checo either, but these are made according to who is most likely to achieve a better result.

For Sergio, personal goals revolve around two axes. The first to renew its contractual relationship with Red Bull Racing (ends this year), so the first half of the season will be crucial its performance on board RB18. The second is about obtaining podiums.

In 2021, the pilot won a place in the top three, five times. Something unprecedented in his career. His best record had been in the 2012 season when he competed as a member of Sauber and won recognition three times (two second places and a third place). Now, the probability of beating that record is high, because in his second year and with a tailor-made car configuration, Pérez looks more adapted to the team.

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