Due to limited training and testing opportunities in Formula 1, Sergio Perez had been slow to adapt to the RB16B in 2021, which was completely new to him
Following his move from Racing Point to Red Bull, Sergio Perez initially struggled to get to grips with the RB16B in the 2021 Formula One season, which is known to require a very aggressive driving style. But in Azerbaijan, the knot burst and he took his second Formula 1 win.
More podiums followed in Turkey, the United States and Mexico. Perez also played a crucial role in holding off Max Verstappen’s title rival Lewis Hamilton at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, earning further points with his new employer.
Looking back, Perez believes the vastly different car philosophy and lack of pre-season testing – it was shortened to just three days in total for all teams last year – made it difficult to adapt quicker in his first Formula One season with Red Bull than he ended up doing.
Perez: “Getting stronger the longer we are together “
“We have to take into account the fact that it was a car with a very different philosophy to what I have driven in my whole career,” the Mexican insists. “So I think it’s been a slow adjustment in that respect. Yeah, it’s just a very different car, a very different engine so with a new team and no testing you have a lot to learn. “
He said he only drove for a day and a half before the first race. “But the whole day was just to test the aerodynamics. So I had basically done nothing before the first race. So there are many aspects that need to be taken into account, but all in all I think it’s been a promising season.”
“Of course I would have hoped for more,” Perez admits, “but it is what it is. I just have to keep plugging away. We’ve had some positive days and some negative days. But we’re only going to get stronger as a team the longer we’re together. “
Shortened practice sessions also slowed Perez’s adjustment
For his performances last year, the 31-year-old was already rewarded with a new contract for 2022 at the end of August, guaranteeing him and the team continuity for the coming season. This year, the teams will enjoy more pre-season testing (six days instead of three) to adapt to the revised technical regulations for the new season.
This will give Perez more time to familiarise himself with the 2022-spec Red Bull, having also had less practice time than previous years due to the reduction of Friday sessions from 90 to 60 minutes.
“It might sound strange, but I don’t have the time,” said the Red Bull driver. “I think the limited amount of testing, the limited amount of practice in the car had an impact because every track is different. The fact that I was driving such a different car probably made it a bit more difficult.”
But Perez knows, “I’m not alone in that. I think we’ve seen other very good drivers struggling to get a grip on their cars.” With the better omens for 2022, he hopes it will be quicker this time around.
