"I had a really tough time at McLaren and it seems that this is what everyone remembers," says Perez after Monaco GP podium
Monday 13 June 2016 12:13, UK
Sergio Perez has urged top teams to forget about his time at McLaren and recognise a "more complete" driver after another impressive podium finish.
Perez sealed the sixth top-three of his Formula 1 career with a superlative drive in Monaco, holding off Sebastian Vettel, and has been a chief midfield opportunist with Force India and Sauber.
His solitary year with McLaren, after being hired to replace Lewis Hamilton, didn't quite go to plan for the popular Mexican, but Perez claims he is "ready" for a step up after proving himself over six years in the sport.
Asked whether his Monte Carlo podium is another message from him to the top teams, he said: "Well, I hope not only this one, I hope what I have been doing over the past years.
"I had a really tough time at McLaren and it seems that this is what everyone remembers, my time at McLaren but 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. I'm a more complete driver in all aspects, qualifying, race, race pace, better 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 doing my job."
Perez came through the Ferrari driving academy before joining Swiss-based Sauber in 2011, impressing the following season with two second-place finishes.
His move to McLaren coincided with the former world champions' dramatic decline, but Perez has restored his reputation and then some since Force India handed him a lifeline two years ago.
Despite a possible opening at Ferrari at the end of the season, Bob Fernley hinted that a new deal soon could be on the table for Perez.
"I think he's happy where he is," Force India's deputy team principal told Sky F1.
Perez was rewarded for his fine display at the Monaco GP with the Driver of the Day award.
