May 31 (GMM) Sergio Perez hopes his Monaco podium serves to remind the F1 world that he is still a driver worthy of a top team.
While it is often said that the Mexican’s Force India teammate Nico Hulkenberg – the reigning Le Mans champion – is the more talented, Perez has been on the F1 podium six times versus the German’s tally of zero.
Asked if Sunday’s Monaco podium is a sign he now deserves another shot with a top team, Perez said: “Well, I hope not only this one (podium) but what I have been doing over the past years.”
The 26-year-old thinks his ill-fated single season with McLaren in 2013 has tainted his perception in F1 circles.
“I had a really tough time at McLaren and it seems that this is what everyone remembers,” said Perez. “No one remembers my time at Sauber, my time at Force India.
“All I can do is keep doing my job, keep doing as well as I can, keep improving as a driver.
“I think in the last years I have improved a lot,” Perez continued. “I’m a more complete driver in all aspects, qualifying, race, race pace, more experience. So if the opportunity ever comes, I will be ready for it and I’m up for it.
“If not, all I can keep doing is my job.”