Sergio Perez has been instrumental in the success of Red Bull and Max Verstappen so far. The Mexican joined the Austrian constructors last year and has helped them dethrone Mercedes from the top of the constructor’s table. Furthermore, he was also pivotal in Verstappen’s maiden title win last year. However, Checo now plans to mount a championship surge of his own from next year.

Whether Perez’s decision to fight for the title is influenced by the ugly scandal that occurred in the Brazilian GP is unclear. However, by the looks of it, the Mexican is done playing the good guy. Checo was in the running for the championship this year as well. Unfortunately, a couple of bad races meant his title surge ended quickly.

But Perez is determined to come back fighting next year. As per Motorsportweek.com, he told, “Certainly, it started really well. Some reliability issues in the beginning, but things were looking on track. We were in the mix for the championship early on. I had a couple of bad races that really put me off contention for the championship.”

He also mentioned, “So, there is some work to do in that regard together with the team to make sure that we can keep that consistency throughout and that we can come back next year and fight for the title if we were to have a similar level of car for next year.”

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Despite the title ambition next season, it will be a daunting task for Checo to go against Max Verstappen in a title fight. However, the Brazilian GP snub might keep his fire burning next season.

Sergio Perez enjoying driving at the ‘peak’ of his career

“Better late than never” never worked more aptly for any current driver on the F1 grid than Sergio Perez. Many would claim that the Red Bull driver was a late bloomer. However, the Mexican is enjoying driving his RB18 at the prime of his career.

Perez commented, “I think it really depends on how comfortable I am at the start of the season with the car, as I was in the beginning of the season, then it slipped away.”

He also stated, “So I think as Formula 1 drivers, we are constantly working for new challenges, you know, all the time. But I do feel, at this time, I’m pretty much at my best.”

Perez will be hoping to finish the season on a high and secure P2 in the driver’s championship. He’s currently level on points with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The duo will face each other in the final race of the calendar year.

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After an impressive season for Checo, he will hope to push himself and challenge Max Verstappen as well as others for the title next year. Will the Mexican driver be able to cope with the pressure? More importantly, won’t this lead to the same ugly on-track dynamic that Max and Daniel Ricciardo shared in 2018?