Sergio Perez says driving for the front-running Red Bull team is “a different world” compared to his previous experiences in Formula 1.
Perez joined the Milton Keynes-based squad for the 2021 campaign following stints at Sauber, McLaren and Force India/Racing Point – all of which were in the midfield group.
After the opening eight races of the year, the Mexican has picked up two podium finishes, including a race win at Baku.
Having spent 10 seasons competing in the midfield pack before joining Red Bull, Perez believes that his latest team switch has been his toughest transition yet.
“I am more focused on my side, on trying to get fully comfortable with things, fully up to speed with driving the car,” Perez said.
“I am happy with my progression so far, with my level that I am delivering at but obviously, it’s not enough and I want more than that.
“It was just a very different world to what I was used to and I think the fact that I moved teams… there are probably teams out there that are similar to others but I went to another extreme.
“I think that made it a bit harder. I am getting there, I think every single weekend we see good improvement. I see no reason why I can’t get any better in the next five races, for example, to do another step.”
Despite helping Red Bull to the head of the Constructors’ Championship in the early stages of the campaign, Perez admits he hasn’t enjoyed the start he had hoped for.
“I’ve found it harder than expected, the change of team,” Perez stated. “The fact that I came to such a different team in terms of power unit, car and so on.
“It was a big change so it took me longer than expected to get up to speed. I am just getting better.
“I wouldn’t like to do a number yet. Obviously, I hoped for more by now but still, the season is very long.”
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