Pérez: “Finishing the race can be enough for a good result” in Australia

Sergio Pérez scored his best result last year at the Australian GP, ​​taking points for seventh place. The Mexican leaves for a year of duel against his teammate Esteban Ocon even if the protégé of Mercedes shows a lack of experience.

The Force India resident, like his opponents, is waiting to know the true potential of his mount, the VJM11, after winter testing in Barcelona (Spain) where most of the teams hid their game.

“We always arrive full of hope in Melbourne, confirms Sergio Pérez. There are many unanswered questions and it is when the start is launched that we can see the level of performance of everyone. That said, this is not a typical race as it is often quite unpredictable. Very often, finishing the race can be enough to ensure a good result. »

“The Albert Park circuit has always been difficult. It's not easy to find the right pace because the speed varies a lot. You should not hesitate on the brakes and benefit from good traction. I think turn 1 is my favorite part of the track. It is difficult and bumpy. In addition, the correct trajectory is not easy to see when taking the turn. It gets even more complicated at the end of the day when the sun is low and dazzling you. »

If the main challenge for Force India will be to maintain its fourth place in the Manufacturers' Championship, Sergio Pérez is hopeful of returning to the podium which he narrowly missed last year.

“I want this to be my best season ever F1 and I want to get back on the podium, insists the former pilot McLaren. We saw that all the mid-grid teams were quite close in terms of performance during winter testing. I think the gap at the front has narrowed. »