Ex-Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle says Sergio Perez’s run to the podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix was a “statement drive” amid questions over his future.
Prior to the race weekend in Budapest, Perez endured a difficult number of events, failing to progress into Q3 on five consecutive occasions.
However, the Mexican driver broke the streak in Budapest and lined up in ninth place for the start of the grand prix.
Perez progressed forward throughout the 70 laps and crossed the line in third place, securing his sixth podium of the 2023 campaign.
Across the last several weeks, questions have been raised regarding his future with Red Bull – a situation that was amplified by Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the grid with AlphaTauri.
But writing in his column for Sky Sports, Brundle commended Perez’s drive from Hungary:
“Perez from a disappointing ninth on the grid would have an impressive drive to the podium which was determined and aggressive in equal measure,” he said.
“It was just the performance he needed for his own confidence as well as his reputation. His overtakes were tough, not with desperation but with total steeliness, and his speed was good.
“I described it in commentary as a statement drive.
“He showed that he can just about keep his head in the shadow of Verstappen’s speed and results, which few others could do, but he still needs to be bothering the Dutchman’s mirrors at the end of the races.
“But let’s not forget his brilliant victories just a few months ago in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.”
Perez’s team-mate Max Verstappen dominated the race, winning by over half a minute.
As the Dutchman continues to streak towards his third F1 title, Brundle likened his form to other dominant campaigns in the past.
“Max Verstappen and Red Bull continue to control this season in dominant fashion, to my mind reminiscent of Nigel Mansell in a 1992 Williams and Michael Schumacher in a 2002 Ferrari,” he said.
“At least the championship will not be won in July or August as we witnessed back then, of course with many fewer races in the season and a different points system.”
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