Perez delivers impassioned pledge ahead of home F1 event

Sergio Perez has vowed to "everything" he can to make Mexico "smile" at the Mexico City Grand Prix, his home F1 race.

The 34-year-old plans to "shut out the noise off track" on what will undoubtedly be a busy weekend for him.

Despite having taken just four podiums all season, and none since the April's Chinese Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver is plotting a return to the rostrum at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Given his struggle to maintain form throughout much of the 2024 F1 season, like last year, Perez heads to Mexico under significant pressure to perform.

12 months ago, his Mexico City Grand Prix lasted just one corner. Perhaps over-jealous, a mistake heading into Turn 1 critically damaged his RB19.

This term, with his Red Bull seat - and F1 career uncertain - the Mexican heads into a weekend that has added weight of expectation.

"Mexico is the biggest weekend of the season for me and every year it seems to get bigger," Perez reflected. "Even in Austin I felt like I was at home, so I think this week might be a little crazy!

"The important thing is to be able to shut out the noise off track and focus on the job in hand. Ultimately, the special thing for me would be to deliver another podium for my fans and my country, at home."

The six-time grand prix winner started 2024 in fine form, but has since failed to recapture that early season performance.

That loss of pace is in part due to the relative struggles of his team, which has increasingly been unable to understand and balance the RB20.

However, recent developments have seen an improvement in the car. This has not correlated into better results for Perez, yet, who continues to languish behind team-mate Max Verstappen.

Nevertheless, he is resolute and plans to make Mexico proud this weekend.

"The car was coming to us a little over the weekend in the US, but there’s still a lot we need to understand," he said.

"I was struggling a little with balance and we need to iron out those issues to be competitive on a very different track in Mexico City.

"I will do everything I can to make my country smile come Sunday evening."