Mexican Sergio Perez says he’s now better prepared for a top Formula 1 drive than he was before his unsuccessful stint at McLaren in 2013.
Perez, who finished second in the Turkish Grand Prix, does not currently have a racing seat for next season, but has been linked to Alex Albon’s Red Bull seat. Albon has yet to be confirmed with the team for another year and has struggled to find shape until 2020.
Perez’s current stint at Racing Point, formerly known as Force India, began after he was unceremoniously dropped by McLaren after a season on the team. He thinks he is now a better candidate for a front seat.
“When I went there there were things that didn’t work,” said Perez of his McLaren stay.
“Then seven years with another team, being in the sport, the level of [maturity], level of knowledge, experience. I’m such a different rider, definitely a lot more willing to get it going than last time. “
Despite missing two races earlier this year due to a positive COVID-19 test, Perez is fourth in the championship. The man who replaced him for those two Silverstone races, Nico Hulkenberg, was also seen as the outside shot for the Red Bull seat.
However, Hulkenberg only downplayed these links this week.
“Of course I hope for a good return in the future, but there is nothing else to report,” he told Servus TV.
“It’s very, very calm at the moment. The reports have calmed down a bit and I think it will take a while to really be clear.”
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