‘Most Stupid Guy on Earth’ – Sergio Perez Reflects Back at the Time He Contracted COVID Mid-F1 Season
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SUZUKA, JAPAN: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Racing Point walks out for the drivers autograph signing session during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
From being the first driver on the grid to contract COVID to losing his Racing Point seat, from winning his first career F1 race and landing a dream one-year contract with Red Bull towards the end of the year, Sergio Perez had a rollercoaster 2020 season.
In a recent interview, Perez explained his feelings when he became the first F1 driver on the grid to catch coronavirus. He had traveled back to Mexico to visit his sick mother in the hospital and missed both the Silverstone races before coming back.
“With Corona, being the first driver to get the virus – you know, now it’s like a bit more normal [that] people get it – but at the time it was like, ‘you’re the most stupid guy on earth, because you got the virus,.”
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Sergio’s comeback also coincided with the rumors of Sebastian Vettel replacing him in Racing Point next season. He pointed out that this was a hard time for him and difficult to deal with. Eventually, the team signed the four-time world champion for 2021.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 12: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Racing Point walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Perez reflected on the time he heard the news. “When that happened, I was pretty relaxed. I thought, ‘well, I’ve had a tremendous career already and I’m pleased with myself, but I just have to give it all weekend after weekend and see what happens.'”
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However, things turned up for Perez towards the end of the season. He won a race and convinced Helmut Marko that he is the driver that Red Bull needs. “When the Red Bull opportunity opened up, it was sometimes looking better, sometimes looking worse. But then in the end, it worked out.”
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Sergio Perez also talked about his continuous disbelief in signing with Red Bull. While he didn’t even think of it as a possibility towards the start of 2020, he is now looking forward to a successful season with the Austrian team.
Do you believe Perez will finally end Red Bull’s long search for a worthy second driver? Let us know!
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