Sergio Perez is looking forward to having a break at the end of the longest Formula 1 season in history as the Mexican finished eighth in the season closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Sahara Force India F1 Team racer broke through one hundred points for the season in the process as he clinched seventh place in the Drivers’ Standings, whilst assisting his team take fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, their best ever result.
Perez had a mostly quiet race at the Yas Marina Circuit, battling with team-mate Nico Hülkenberg early on, before fending off the challenge of Felipe Massa in the closing laps, but was happy to end the year with a strong result for the team.
“I am pleased with my race,” admitted Perez. “I finished where I started and it was a quiet race for most of it, but it got a bit tense in the final laps when I had to fend off Felipe [Massa].
“I pushed really hard at the beginning of my stints, trying to close the gap to Nico, but in the end I finished just behind him. It was great to finish the season with some points and to end an incredible year with a good result.
“Now that the season is over, I will go back to Mexico and enjoy some rest. It’s been a long and intense year and I am looking forward to some downtime with friends and family.
“They’re going to be happy holidays, thinking about what we have achieved this year. I’ll chill out a bit and then it’s back to work for 2017!”