Sakhir Grand Prix 2020 champion, Sergio Perez, has expressed his satisfaction after emerging victorious at his 190th attempt in Sunday’s emotional Formula One race, saying it leaves him “a bit more at peace”.
Perez, 30, had to maneuver his way to pole position from the last position as he clinched a memorable win, driving alongside Renault’s Esteban Ocon and Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll.
At the end of the race, an emotional Perez said: “It gives me a bit more peace with myself.
“What happens is not so much in my hands. I want to keep going. If I am not on the grid next year, I will be back in 2022.”
The Mexican who has been at Racing Point since 2014, is due for replacement next year by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel when the team undergoes rigorous rebranding.
“After the first lap, it was gone, but it was all about not giving up,” said Perez.
“I said to the team that the car feels like a limousine. It feels so easy. We had tremendous pace and I think we did pretty well throughout the weekend.
“We had pace and we read the race well.”
Perez, despite being the favorite to leave Racing Point, has said he wishes for the chance to be able to work with former London-born Thai Driver Albon Red Bull.
“This season, the luck hasn’t been with us,” said Perez in Mexico, where Pedro Rodriguez, winner of 1967 South African and 1970 Belgian Grands Prix, is a revered figure.
Rodriguez tragically lost his life racing for Ferrari in a sportscar race at Nuremberg in 1971.
Perez said if he gets snubbed by Red Bull for 2021, he will take a year out and consider his options for 2022.
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Sakhir GP result: Top 10
1. Sergio Perez, Racing Point
2. Esteban Ocon, Renault
3. Lance Stroll, Racing Point
4. Carlos Sainz, McLaren
5. Daniel Ricciardo, Renault
6. Alexander Albon, Red Bull
7. Daniil Kvyat, AlphaTauri
8. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
9. George Russell, Mercedes
10. Lando Norris, McLaren
Congratulations to him. Don’t know him but I find his words pretty moving. Inspiring.