Sergio Perez is decided to over-deliver this season because the Mexican, lastly a race winner, steps into one of many hottest of seats as Max Verstappen’s Purple Bull group mate.
The 31-year-old would be the fourth driver in as a few years to try to dwell alongside a 23-year-old who has emerged as an actual menace to Mercedes’ seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Not like speedy predecessors who fell brief alongside the Dutch driver, Thailand’s Alexander Albon and France’s Pierre Gasly, Perez can depend on greater than a decade in grand prix racing.
“I’m assured in my skills,” the Mexican, whose resume features a troublesome and sad yr at McLaren, instructed reporters on Thursday.
“It would take a little bit of time earlier than I get on high of every little thing however I do not see why with time I can not.”
Requested about his targets, he replied: “To over-deliver on the automotive’s efficiency. If we’ve got a automotive adequate to win the championship, to ensure I win it. If we’ve got obtained a automotive that’s good for second, then be sure that to win.”
Perez proved a well-liked first time winner, in his one hundred and ninetieth begin, with Racing Level (now Aston Martin) in Bahrain final December.
It had seemed then like he was leaving the game, with 4 occasions champion Sebastian Vettel already signed to take his place, however Purple Bull threw him a lifeline.
Now he’s hungry for extra wins with a group hoping for an actual battle with Mercedes after ending distant runners-up in 2020.
“You get a bit too hooked on it. One win is simply the primary one and you’re ready to get the second,” he stated.
“It provides you numerous confidence as effectively — you have been there and skilled that and you realize that you are able to do it once more.”
Perez, fourth general final yr, anticipated Verstappen to be “an enormous benchmark” in qualifying however stated he was absolutely motivated and dealing flat-out on his health.
“When issues do not go effectively, the strain hits you exhausting. And if you find yourself skilled, when you have got been by means of it earlier than, it simply makes you deal with the correct stuff,” he stated.
“I simply suppose the chance is available in an excellent level of my profession and it should work out effectively.”
The season begins in Bahrain on March 28.