Sergio Perez believes that he won't find it difficult to walk away from Formula 1 when the time comes, due to the fulfilment he gets from other areas of his life. The Mexican has sealed his future in the sport until at least the end of 2024, having signed a contract extension with Red Bull earlier in the year. As things stand, Perez – who will be 34 by the time that his current deal ends – does not see himself quitting F1 at that point. "I still have a contract until 2024, but I can't imagine that I will end my career then," Perez told German publication Sport Bild . "I'm too young for that and still have too much fun. Even if the sport takes up a lot of time. But that's how it is. "Formula 1 becomes your life. And you can't just leave that behind. And yet, in the end, it won't be difficult for me."
Perez reflects on "beautiful moments" outside of F1
In terms of why leaving the sport is not something that he expects to struggle with, Perez admits that some of his happiest moments have taken place away from the race track, with his family life proving particularly special. "The most beautiful moments of my life have nothing to do with racing," the father-of-three said. "The birth of my children, for example. But even the simple things mean a lot to me. "When I get a taco for 20 pesos [0.95 euros] in Mexico and spend time with my family, those are moments that you don't experience like that in Formula 1."
How 2022 is shaping up for Perez
With thoughts of retirement far away, Perez's current focus is on the 2022 season, where he sits third in the World Championship standings on 173 points, only five points behind second-placed Charles Leclerc. Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen remains at the top with an 80-point advantage over Leclerc. Perez's best result of the campaign so far has been a win in Monaco, and he has also achieved an additional five podium finishes. This has contributed towards Red Bull's strong tally of 431 at the head of the Constructors' Championship, giving them an edge of 97 points over nearest rivals Ferrari.
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