Sergio Perez has no regrets of turning down a seat at Renault Sport Formula 1 Team for 2017 despite their progress over the winter break.
Perez was in Renault’s sights to replace the departing Kevin Magnussen but the Mexican decided to remain at Sahara Force India. The drive was eventually given to his then team-mate Nico Hülkenberg.
And you must only look at their achievements to date in comparison to last year’s to see just how far they have come; Hülkenberg has finished in the points at two of this season’s four races compared to only three top-tens throughout all of 2016.
Perez admitted that the improvement had taken him by surprise, but it is a good thing in respect to the sport that there is another strong team competing in the midfield.
“I think Renault has been really a good surprise for Formula 1,” he said. “I think they’ve made an impressive step. It will be interesting to see how they are able to develop.”
Despite the upturn in their success, Perez is perfectly happy where he is and is looking forward to continuing the fight for fourth place in the constructors’ championship.
“No, I’m happy where I am,” he continued “We will see in Barcelona what we are able to do compared to everyone else. We are fourth in the constructors’ at the moment. I think we’re looking good.
“Obviously we’ve been taking opportunities from others, we definitely don’t have the pace to be there. I expect that once we have the pace, things should be a lot better.”
