Even though Max Verstappen had won the race for Red Bull, third-placed Pérez drew the crowd’s focus after scoring his first Mexican Grand Prix podium. While it was his fifth podium of the 2021 season, it was the first time a Mexican driver had achieved such a result at home, making it a significant result for both him and his country.

Perez hasn't helped his case with his own performance. He's winless for the first time since joining Red Bull in 2021, has only four podium finishes this year and is eighth in the

Sergio Perez admits he has had a “terrible season” as speculation continues over his future at Red Bull. Perez is eighth in the drivers’ standings – 204 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen – and his highest finish in the last 13 races is sixth.