Perez fires back at media critics - "Maybe it's because I'm Mexican"

Ian Parkes
Tuesday 4 October 2022 07:00

Sergio Perez has delivered a stinging response to his media critics who had dared to suggest he should be axed by Red Bull following his recent "rough patch".

Perez delivered arguably the drive of his F1 career in taking the flag at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday to score his fourth victory in the sport.

The Mexican driver powered past polesitter Charles Leclerc into the first corner and was then forced to withstand intense pressure through two safety car periods, three VSCs and changing wet-to-dry conditions across the full two-hour timed race.

It was a superb success for the 32-year-old who has struggled following his triumph in Monaco at the end of May and since changes to the RB18 that have more suited Max Verstappen.

"This win is really special for me because I've had a bit of a rough patch in the last few races," said Perez.

"Obviously, the media in Formula 1 makes things a lot bigger, maybe because I'm just Mexican.

"If I'm not on the podium for two races in a row then I'm having the worst season ever, Red Bull should drop me and all that sort of stuff that you get to see.

"It’s just nice to get that win, a reminder to anyone of how good I am.

"It's just always good to be able to put together this sort of performance. I've just kept going and worked really hard."