Sergio Perez of Red Bull F1 "I'm too young to think about retiring from F1"[F1-Gate.com]

Sergio Perez says he is ‘too young’ to follow F1 rival Sebastian Vettel into retirement.

Four-time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel ended his F1 career at the age of 35 at the end of the 202 season.

Sergio Perez, now 32, will be almost 35 at the end of 2024 when his recently extended contract with Red Bull Racing expires.

“I have a contract until 2024,” Perez confirmed to Sport Bild, “but I can’t imagine ending my career there.”

“Even if you spend a lot of time in sport, that’s how it is. Formula 1 will be your life.”

“But I’m too young to quit and I’m still having fun,” added Sergio Perez, who is also married and has children with Sebastian Vettel.

But Sergio Perez insists “it’s not difficult for me” when it comes time to leave F1.

“Because the best moments in my life have nothing to do with racing, like the birth of a child,” said Sergio Perez.

“But even the simple things mean a lot to me. Getting a 20 pesos taco in Mexico and spending time with your family is a moment you don’t get in F1.”

Sergio Perez even says his goal of winning the world championship is still completely intact despite team-mate Max Verstappen being the current F1 world champion.

“I think I can beat anyone in F1, including Max,” insisted Sergio Perez.

“We’ve shown that several times this season, but unfortunately that alone doesn’t guarantee success. Max has incredible qualities and is very calm for his age. , I have a very good feeling with the car.”

“So the question is not whether you can beat him in a week, but how many races you can finish in front of him. Consistency is important for that.”

“That’s what makes a champion”

In fact, after a strong start to 2022, Sergio Perez is clearly starting to fall behind Max Verstappen and has received several reprimands from Red Bull F1’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.

“At the beginning of the season the car was very good,” admits Sergio Perez.

“Now we have to adapt. Max is a better fit now and I hope we can go further in the direction we had at the beginning of the season.”

“Then you can really attack again. But if I wasn’t in a top car like that, I probably wouldn’t be in the sport.”