Red Bull Racing Honda’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez preview the Mexican GP
Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez charged into action on the streets of Mexico City today at the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, with a series of flat-out blasts and tyre-smoking donuts along the city’s historic boulevard. Bringing Formula One power to a massive crowd of 130,000 fans, Checo cranked up the double championship-winning Red Bull Racing RB7 and lit up Mexico City in preparation for his home race at this weekend’s Grand Prix.Checo unveiled a special edition driver’s suit to bring even more colour to his home show run, and a one-off helmet design that he’ll also wear for this weekend’s race at the Autodrómo Hermanos Rodriguez.“It feels amazing to back here in Mexico City, I never really imagined a moment like this, I think as an athlete and a driver you always think about being on track making memories, but today was crazy, we took over Mexico City," said Perez. “It was such a special way to start my home Grand Prix weekend. Everyone was full of energy and the people have been amazing, even camping here since last night. I am really looking forward to seeing all the fans back at track this weekend too. My ambitions for this weekend are to be in the mix to win the race on Sunday and it would mean everything to me to come out on top in Mexico.”
Mexican GP Race Preview
AST: Winning the US Grand Prix was a big feat for the Team. How did it feel to be on the top step of the podium again?MV: It was of course a great feeling to be back on the top step at the US Grand Prix. The last few races were obviously quite difficult with various engine penalties and a few unlucky moments, so it definitely felt good to be back up there with Checo beside me. It was a very satisfying win, we showed good pace at the US GP so I’m looking to build on that momentum and it was of course also very important to score solid points for the championship.
Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix; Circuit of the Americas (COTA); Austin, Texas; October 24, 2021; Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media
MV: Yes I have good memories from racing in Mexico with my two race wins. I’m looking forward to racing here again especially after not being able to travel here for a while. I know we will have a lot more fans now with Checo in the Team too so I’m looking forward to seeing all of them at the track and of course hopefully we can have a competitive weekend.
AST: Mexico is the start of another triple header. How do you prepare mentally and physically for three back to back races?
MV: I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited to get going, although I know the triple header is going to be busy! It’s incredibly important for myself and the Team to try and nail the next three races now that we are fighting for the championship. There will be a lot of travelling time and time differences but I’m looking forward to being back on track in Mexico and Brazil and I’m looking forward to the challenge of racing on the new track in Qatar.AST: How excited are you to return to Mexico for your home race this week?
SP: Incredibly excited, I am so much looking forward to it. My country has been so supportive of me throughout my career and I always love the chance to race in front of those fans. People are always blown away by the support I receive here in Mexico but they have always backed me, since many years ago, when my career was first starting. It’s just great to finally have a Team and a car that we can dream of a victory in my home country. We have a chance to make a big result happen this weekend, so I will prepare as well as I can and we will see what we are able to achieve.AST:You are wearing a specially designed Mexican themed helmet for this weekend. What was the inspiration behind it?
SP: For Mexico I wanted it to be a really special moment so I spoke with my designer and he came up with an incredible design. It is probably my favourite design I have ever worn. I wanted to put my colours on it in a bigger and better way than before, because on all of my helmet designs I try to represent my country and Mexican cultures and traditions. I have even changed the colour of the foam to those of the Mexican flag. I really can’t wait to wear it and since I revealed it this week the Mexican people love it!
AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202110230390 // Usage for editorial use only //