Mexico is known for a lot of things like its food, dance, and traditions. However, if you’re an F1 fan, the first thing you arguably think of when you hear Mexico is Sergio Perez and his ever-smiling father. Antonio Pérez Garibay is a proud Mexican who was beaming with pride when Checo stood on the podium last week.
Moreover, Papa Perez also made a bold prediction regarding Checo for next year.
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The Mexican GP was not as exciting as the one in previous years. Max Verstappen raced to the first corner ahead of anyone else and remained in P1 for most of the race. He eventually won his record 14th race of the season, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton and home-favorite Sergio Perez.
However, like last year, it was Checo’s father, Antonio Perez, who stole the show. The Mexican has become a fan-favorite in recent years with his pure expression of love and pride for his son and his country. Furthermore, Perez Sr. also made a bold claim about his son for the next season, which can very well be a warning to reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
As per WTF1, Papa Perez said, “Checo is the best Mexican driver. It’s the first time with Mexico having a World Champion of Formula 1 in constructors, no? Checo is champion of Formula 1 now [as part of Red Bull], maybe next year he’s probably champion of drivers.”
Checo will be looking to push Verstappen for the title next season. Furthermore, he’ll also be eyeing the top spot on the podium in front of his home fans.
Sergio Perez reveals the moment he knew his 2022 championship bid ended
Checo Perez was in the title hunt with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc during the early season. The Mexican only won the Monaco GP in the first 7 races of the season but kept within touching distance of the two drivers above him. However, the crash with George Russell in the Austrian GP ended his championship bid according to the Red Bull driver.
Perez told Motorsport-Total.com, “I think Austria was the tipping point for my World Cup chances. There I was hit by George. We were there in the standings, but this was a huge blow. Then we had a few races where we struggled.”
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Perez has since been in a close battle for the 2nd place in the championship with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. He currently has a 5-point lead over Leclerc with 2 races to go in the season.
While Perez will hope to challenge his teammate next year for the championship, his immediate focus would be to grab P2 in the driver’s championship.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton’s Charitable Masterpiece, Sergio Perez’s Mexican Tribute- F1 Drivers Get Creative With Monaco GP Lids
Do you think Checo can challenge Verstappen for the title next year?