In the 22 season calendar, many drivers had a chance to experience a crowded home race. Arguably, Sergio Perez had one of the most emotional ones. The Mexican looked back on his masterclass of a race in front of his home crowd, and although it was a moment to remember, one thing left behind was a sour taste.

Max Verstappen had the perfect start and was well ahead of the rest of the pack. Hence, all eyes were on the race-long battle between Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton. Looking back, what could have given Perez his desired P2 position was the undercut. Therefore, Perez had a sole regret. “The main one was to get the P2 from Lewis, to do the undercut. It was a very critical lap that I think if Mercedes didn’t react to it, we would have reacted and got P2; which would have been great for our team.”

Lap 30 of the race seemingly decided the battle for second place and Perez reflected on what could have been. “I think in general, it was a good start. We had a good one, and that just helped to make the progress and have a good race. I think P2 was so close that we haven’t had a 1-2 this season and to have one in my country would be great.”

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The partnership isn’t over for Perez, who after a stunning debut season with the Milton Keynes outfit, continues driving alongside Max Verstappen. The 2022 season will surely bring him the opportunity he craves.

Looking back at Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton’s exhilarating battle for P2

Perez lingered behind Hamilton once the clamor of the first lap was cleared; thus, the obvious strategy for the Mexican would have been the undercut to get ahead. However, on lap 30, as Red Bull called in Perez, Mercedes boxed Hamilton in as well; consequentially, Perez pitted 11 laps later.

Although he was in clear air and the fresher tires, everything boiled down to the final moments of the race. After his pitstop, Perez was back behind Hamilton, inching closer and closer like a beast on the prowl. With the backmarkers being pivotal to the race, Hamilton’s tires heated as Perez took advantage of the situation.

And then swiftly, it was the last lap of the race. As the crowds roared for their hero, Checo was a second behind Hamilton, ravenous for that P2 position; he had a single chance to get there. With DRS into turns 3 and 4, Perez made his move. However, his lunge wasn’t quite enough as Hamilton met the checkered flag for a well-fought P2.

Nonetheless, the celebrations were loud, and they were for the Red Bull team. As Perez honorably represented his country on the rostrum, Verstappen extended the lead in the championship three races in a row. The Mexicans were wholly proud of their driver, who put up a stunning fight against the master of the sport.

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