Sergio Perez acknowledges that the unwavering support from "millions" of fellow Mexicans has helped him manage the criticism he's faced throughout the year.
Despite securing a new Red Bull contract extending through 2025 and 2026, the 34-year-old driver entered the August break with persistent speculation surrounding his future and considerable criticism over his performances.
However, in recent races, even his triple world champion teammate, Max Verstappen, began to encounter similar struggles with the car's handling, significantly closing the gap between the two Red Bull drivers.
"Once we are able to solve it, it's going to benefit both of us drivers a lot," Perez said. "But it might benefit me even more on my side."
"I think we've had the correlation issue for a while, and it's there with a lot of the other teams too. But the main problem is that we probably took a wrong direction somewhere that we have to understand."
"I think the solution will be the same for both cars. Max can just probably cope with the problem a little better than I can."
When the performance gap between the two was much wider, the calls for Perez's replacement grew loud. Yet, Perez says that the massive support from his home country made it easier to endure.
"The affection I get from the Mexican people is incredible," he shared with Grupo Formula.
"For every person who speaks badly about me, there are millions of people to defend me. That's what I've realised."
There are even suggestions that Formula 1 urged Red Bull to retain Perez in order to keep the excitement and large crowds at the Mexican GP, which is just around the corner.
"That support is something I really appreciate," Perez said. "In the end, you know that you are not alone."
"But even when you're on the other side of the world, there's a whole country behind you, pushing the car forward, so to speak. I feel it especially in the bad times."
"It's something that motivates me a lot and makes it exciting."
Just a few days ago, Perez admitted that he understands his time in Formula 1 may be drawing to a close, but he's determined to finish his career with Red Bull.
He now added: "I will never give up until I achieve the dreams of all those people who support me so much."
