Red Bull driver Sergio Perez received a specially customized jersey from Real Madrid before they faced Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and sent his best wishes to the 14-time European Champions for the tie.
Real Madrid, the defending champions of Europe, faced Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on Tuesday, in a match that ended 1-1. It was a match full of action, with the tides shifting throughout, but in the end, a goal each from Vinicius Junior and Kevin de Bruyne was not enough to separate the two sides. The second leg of the semi-final takes place in a week’s time with the return match set to be played at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Just like the millions of fans around the world, Sergio Perez was cheering for Real Madrid on Tuesday. In an Instagram video posted by the club’s official fan handle Madridistas, Perez unboxed his jersey, which had the number 11 and the name ‘Checo’ printed on it. He said-
“Madridista friends, we’re ready for tonight’s match – and today we’ll win. ¡Hala Madrid!”
Unfortunately for Perez, Real couldn’t win yesterday, but the Red Bull driver will be hoping for his good wishes to be carried forward to next week’s game.
Sergio Perez isn’t the only F1 driver to support Real Madrid
Real Madrid is one the most supported sports teams in the world, and Perez isn’t the only F1 star to love the team. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is a lifelong fan of Real Madrid. His love for the club, and achievements in motorsports even earned him the title of the club’s honorary member back in 2017.
Another driver who is a die-hard supporter of Real Madrid is Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard’s father Carlos Sainz Sr. is also an honorary member of the club, which is where he developed the love he has for the club.
Ahead of and after several high profile games played by Real Madrid, we see both Alonso and Sainz post pictures and messages on social media, wishing them good luck or congratulating them.
Dent in Perez’s potential title hopes?
Back in the world of F1, Perez might need some good luck for himself in the coming weeks if he is to stay in the title challenge. The Mexican driver headed into last weekend’s Miami GP with hopes of taking the lead in the championship.
Perez even started the race from the pole position, eight places ahead of teammate and leader Max Verstappen. However, a brilliant strategy and a composed drive from the Dutchman saw him win the race quite comfortably, which made him the first driver since Niki Lauda to win a race from P9.
Perez currently stands P2 in the standings, 14 points behind Verstappen who leads. The F1 season continues in two weeks time, when teams and drivers travel to Imola for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
