Sergio Perez finally has a seat for the 2021 F1 season and well deserved one at that. Partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the pairing looks strong enough to take the fight to Mercedes on the track.

Interestingly, team principal Christian Horner already knew a bit about Perez during his time as a Formula 2 team boss. He has since seen the progression of the Mexican driver who will now drive under Horner’s management in the upcoming campaign.

Horner opened up on his earliest memories of watching Perez drive, revealing that the 30-year-old’s determination to never give up has contributed to his trademark style of racing today.

Sergio Perez was ‘stronger’ in races than in qualifying in GP2 debut campaign, says Horner

Speaking in an interview, Horner said, “I can still remember his year in Formula 3. Checo did a great job and won some races, including at Monza. He was very impressive and worked with Adrian Fernandez, and Carlos Slim was also in close contact with him.”

“In his first year in GP2 he was always stronger in races than in qualifying. He had the determination to never give up. Sergio was like a young dog with a bone. I think that has become his trademark in terms of racing.”

Perez made his debut with the Sauber F1 team in 2011 and has since gone on to drive for McLaren and finally, Force India. His podium displays with the latter saw him earn the reputation of being a ‘king in midfield.’

The Perez and Red Bull partnership means the team now has a good chance to win the Constructors’ title

Horner continued, “It’s no coincidence that he managed to reach the podium in cars that didn’t belong on the podium. He is very determined during the races and his tire management is very good. Sergio is now at a stage in his career where he is very well-rounded.”

The Red Bull management has already expressed their intention to lift the Constructors’ championship they last won in 2013. With two drivers consistently in front, the Austrian-licensed outfit now has the option of utilizing their best strategy and overtaking Mercedes.

Therefore, it will be an important season for both Perez and Red Bull. It will intrigue to see how the partnership between both entities develops over the course of 23 races.