2020 was arguably Sergio Perez’s strongest season in Formula One, with him taking his maiden victory in the Sakhir Grand Prix and finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.
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However, it was not without its challenges for the Mexican, with him testing positive for COVID-19 early in the season and facing the prospect of not having a seat in Formula One next year.
In a recent interview, Perez said he felt like “the most stupid guy on earth” after becoming the first F1 driver to test positive for the deadly virus:
“I certainly had a very tough year I’d say because of the corona, being the first driver to get the virus.
“It’s a bit more normal now you get it, but at the time it was like ‘You are the most stupid guy on earth because you got the virus’. It was very harsh for me to deal with it,” the Mexican added.
Since then, four other F1 drivers – namely Lance Stroll, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc – have also tested positive for coronavirus.
In the same interview, Perez said he is ultimately happy with how things worked out with regards to his future in Formula One, with him now partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
“It was a very critical time as well in my career because of the contract thing. In the end, I lost my seat with the team but it worked out really well.
“I never knew what was going to happen. When that happened I was pretty relaxed.
“I thought ‘I’ve had a tremendous career already. I’m pleased with myself, but I just have to give it my all weekend after weekend and see what happens.’
“When the Red Bull opportunity opened up, it was sometimes looking better, sometimes looking worse, but then, in the end, it worked out.
“These opportunities only come once in your life. I know that and I’m ready to make it work,” the highly rated Mexican concluded.
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