Although Verstappen remained Red Bull’s clear benchmark through 2021, when the Dutchman engaged in a titanic title battle with Mercedes’ Hamilton, Perez proved his worth in the second seat, taking a second career victory on the streets of Azerbaijan and four more podiums.
It was the role he played at the Abu Dhabi finale that stands out, though, when Perez – on a different strategy – made his Red Bull as wide as possible to keep Hamilton at bay for a lap-and-a-half, and allow Verstappen to close significantly before the late-race Safety Car drama.
“I think without Checo, I wouldn’t be sitting here [as World Champion] right now, because then they [Mercedes] would have had a pit gap with the Safety Car,” said Verstappen, who stopped under the Safety Car for fresh soft tyres while Hamilton stayed out on worn hards, and then pounced on the last lap to claim the title.
Picking up the story, Perez says: “It was a great chapter in my career, sharing a garage with Red Bull, and with Max. At Red Bull, with Helmut [Marko, then Advisor], with Christian [Horner, then Team Principal], I think it’s the biggest challenge that you can have as a driver. I learned a lot. I also had a lot of fun; we had a fantastic time, and we were the best team.
“I found myself in a position in the last race where I could help Max and the team. Obviously, I was part of the team, I would do anything for my team, and it worked out. I managed to help Max, and Max won the championship. I was pleased for him, but more importantly, for Red Bull, to be able to support my team.”
