Sergio Pérez described it as “a big shame” after being forced to retire from the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Mexican was having a strong race at his home grand prix and felt he could have finished seventh at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez if he hadn’t been forced to park up early.
“It’s a big shame to retire from my home Grand Prix – especially when things were looking really good in the race.
“I think we had at least seventh place in our pocket and the great strategy that we started planning yesterday [in qualifying] was really paying off.”
Retirements are a part of the sport and Pérez admits it is still just as disappointing as he retired due to a brake issue.
“Sometimes in racing you have these big disappointments when there is an issue with the car.
“Today it was the brakes that forced me to retire because suddenly the pedal went long and we had to park the car.”
The home favourite started just outside the top ten but had made up ground early on the race and the Racing Point Force India F1 Team was looking good for a good points finish but Pérez put the disappointment behind him to praise the support he’s had this weekend.
“Until then it had been a really exciting race for me – I had a great first lap, getting ahead of Fernando [Alonso], and then some good battles with the Saubers later in the race.
“I was controlling my race, looking after the tyres, and I thought we would pick up some good points.
“I feel sorry for the team and for the fans who have been incredible this week.
“They always make me feel very proud and today they gave me amazing support.”
