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Sergio Perez says he would not be in Formula 1 if he was the defined second driver at Red Bull – as it would disrespect his career.

The Mexican racer was staring at the Formula 1 exit door when the 2020 season ended with no 2021 seat secured, but Red Bull stepped in and named Perez as Max Verstappen’s new team-mate for 2021.

Perez endured many of the struggles of Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly before him, often adrift of Verstappen’s performance level, but the major regulation changes for 2022 have coincided with a much more competitive Perez.

He secured his first career pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with the unfortunate timing of a Safety Car period costing him the chance to win, but with 54 points scored in the opening four rounds Perez is now delivering the type of performances Red Bull hoped for.

Nonetheless, Perez is, from outside Red Bull, widely regarded as the second driver, there to support Verstappen and Red Bull’s push for the Constructors’ title.

But Perez says he is not in any such defined role and would never accept it.

In an interview with Chacho López of Fox Sports Mexico, Perez said: “I couldn’t be in F1 just for the sake of it, and knowing I’m the second driver would be disrespectful to my