Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been one of the most efficient driver pairings on the grid in recent years, similar to that of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
Verstappen has the blistering pace to fight for the win at every race weekend, while Perez chips in with a few victories of his own, most notably at street circuits, while playing the wingman role for his teammate.
Perez was nicknamed the Red Bull ‘Minister of Defence’ after his stunning efforts to hold up Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi last year, allowing Verstappen to close in on the Brit and have a second chance in the race.
The Mexican is prepared to throw the wingman role out the window this weekend, however, with a first victory on home soil being the only thing on his mind going into this race weekend.
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“Of course, I want to win this weekend. This is my target,” he said.
“This is a target for everyone that is sitting here and that is coming to this weekend, also for Max.
“We are all very competitive and we want to get the victory on Sunday, so we’re going to give it all we possibly can to achieve that.”
Verstappen has experienced multiple victories at home, with Zandvoort being nothing but a flood of orange flares and fireworks come race day, however Perez is yet to treat Mexico City to the same.
The love for ‘Checo’ Perez is undoubtable at his home race, with banners, billboards and fan demonstrations all idolising the Red Bull driver, however the 32-year-old has suggested that he will have to block it all out to give full attention to winning the race.
“I’ve dreamt a few times already about it, and it would be massive for me,” he told reporters.
“Obviously, that’s a target for Sunday. It will not be easy. We need to be perfect throughout the weekend.
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“So, I think the focus will be now on the racing to try and maximise a weekend.
“At the end of the day, it’s another weekend with the same amount of points, but it’s the most special one for me.”
Last year Perez finished third in the Mexican Grand Prix, experiencing what it is like to stand on the podium at home, but the home hero will be hoping to go a step further and secure a win this weekend.