Sergio Perez Sets New Record: Most Grand Prix Races with Max Verstappen as Teammate

After all the records Max Verstappen and Red Bull have been breaking in the last two seasons, the Singapore GP will see Sergio Perez break his own. The Mexican driver, who has been with Red Bull since the 2021 season, will become the driver to race the most number of Grand Prix with Max Verstappen as a teammate.

Call it a record or an important milestone, it is an important marker that needs to be celebrated by both drivers for their 3-year partnership (almost). Perez made his Red Bull debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix where he finished fifth. He replaced Alex Albon, who was demoted to be the team’s reserve and test driver. Verstappen, on the other hand, joined Red Bull in 2016 after replacing Daniil Kvyat mid-season. Since then, he has partnered with Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon before Perez hopped on board. Perez will be breaking Ricciardo’s record of racing the most Grand Prix with Verstappen in Singapore when the tally reaches 59 GPs. The number of years Ricciardo spent alongside Verstappen has almost been the same as Perez’s time with Max. However, Max joining Red Bull mid-season in May 2016 seems to have made the difference, thus giving Perez that extra edge.

Perez’s contract with Red Bull expires toward the end of next year. If Red Bull allows him to complete his tenure as per the contract, the end of 2024 would see the duo reach the milestone of racing 90 Grands Prix together. Just four short of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber’s record of 94 races from 2009-2013, which is by far the highest in Red Bull’s history.

Speaking of records and milestones, the Singapore GP has another treat lined up for Perez. The race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit would be his 250th Grand Prix. That puts him in the 11th spot on the list of all-time highest Grand Prix races. Regardless of a podium finish or a victory, the coming weekend offers the Mexican driver several reasons to celebrate.