Sergio Perez said he had never dreamed of winning his maiden Formula One victory on the 190th attempt at Sunday’s Zakir Grand Prix.
The 30-year-old Perez was clipped to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the opening lap – found himself in the back of the field after repairs were stopped.
But the Mexican which George Russell had the course to win before a Mercedes pit-stop officer would have taken advantage of the restorative race, and then a late hole would have derailed his chances.
It may take a while to stay … incrediblepic.twitter.com/cMZKWqg7PA
– BWT Racing Point F1 Team (Racing Point F1) December 6, 2020
Renault’s Esteban O’Connor overturned the clear Perez by 10 seconds, while Lance Stroll took third place at the other racing point.
“I’m speechless,” Perez said. “I hope I don’t dream at this moment because I have been dreaming for years.
“It simply came to our notice then. Ten years. Incredible. I do not know what to say.
“After the first lap, the race stopped. But it was all about not giving up, getting well, going for it, and doing the best I could. ”
From the end of Lap 1 to the maiden victory, it was amazing! 😲
Congratulations, HeShecoPerez! 👏# സഖിർജിപി 🇧🇭 # F1 Racingpoint F1 pic.twitter.com/8p9ERqz8AC
– Formula 1 (@ F1) December 6, 2020
Perez will be without a drive at F1 next year after leaving Racing Point. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel will be named in the 2021 renamed Aston Martin squad.
Perez also missed the British 70th Annual Grand Prix in Silverstone in August after being infected with the corona virus following a visit to his mother in Mexico.
Perez added: “Luck was not with us this season, but we finally got it today and we qualified.
“Yes, the Mercedes cars had some problems, but in the end my speed was strong enough to stop George.”
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