Long Before Mexico Crashed Out of FIFA World Cup, Sergio Perez Held the Glass Ball to His Countrymen’s Doomed Fate

Mexico crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar despite winning the last game against Saudi Arabia. The Latin American country fell short in goal difference against Poland as they had to bow out of the competition. As Mexico’s journey in the World Cup was short-lived, Sergio Perez predicted this long before.

Sergio Perez shared his thoughts on Mexico’s prospects in the World Cup months back during an interview with the LAD Bible and teammate Max Verstappen. When asked about his country’s chances in Qatar, Perez was not very optimistic about his countrymen’s likelihood of progressing.

Talking about this, the Guadalajara man stated, “I’m also not too positive on that one, to be honest.” Perez further stated, “Yeah, I hope I’m wrong and we go very far,” and Perez was right as Mexico crashed out. The Latin American country picked up four points in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as they won against Saudi Arabia, drew against Poland, and lost against Argentina.

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Perez is a big-time soccer fan. Whenever he’s out of his Formula 1 duty, he never misses an opportunity to see his national team in action. In recent times, the Mexican driver took his time out and left for Mexico’s opening match against Poland in Qatar.

Sergio Perez reveals the soccer connection behind his racing number

Being a huge soccer fan as he is, there is an interesting story behind his racing number. The number 11 which he uses in his car is a tribute to a footballer and his jersey. The former Force India driver is a big-time fan of former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker Ivan Zamorano.

A Chilean international Zamorano, also played for Perez’s favorite soccer outfit, Club America when Perez was a kart driver. Eventually, he became the name behind the Red Bull driver’s choice for number 11.

In a report published by Sports Rush, the 32-year-old driver shared, “When I started in karting there was a football player that was playing for Club America, a team I like, it was Ivan Zamorano. He was my idol and was wearing No 11, so it was very easy for me to choose that.”

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Sergio Perez is currently preparing himself for the third year at Red Bull next season. After a grueling second year at the Milton-Keynes-based team, the only target for him and the team will probably be the 1-2 finish in the driver’s standings in the end.