Sergio Perez has reassured his belief that Force India did not and will not use team orders and will always allow their drivers to race freely, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
After a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix, that saw both Force India drivers competing for the final place on the podium, questions were raised as to whether the team would use team orders to allow Esteban Ocon, who was on fresher tyres, to overtake team-mate Perez in front.
A conversation took place and was believed to be a request from the team to the Mexican asking him to let Ocon through but that never happened. The stalemate would result in both cars losing a position to a flying Sebastian Vettel, but, speaking in Baku on Thursday, Perez insisted no such instruction took was given.
"In Canada, they told me to speed up to Ricciardo, and we were just having a normal conversation. They were never team orders,” he said.
“They felt that they were not in need to do team orders, 13 laps difference in tyres in Montreal is not a lot, because it's a very low degradation on that circuit. The team has all the information."
Asked if Force India had looked to change their position for future scenarios, the 27-year-old replied: "The policy of the team is that if we're in the same situation, they will do exactly the same thing. They will let us race again and no teams orders, as they feel they did the right thing. “I think it's great, it's great for the sport, it's great for everyone, for the fans that the team lets the drivers race."
“I think it's great, it's great for the sport, it's great for everyone, for the fans that the team lets the drivers race."
Finally, Perez shifted the attention back on the team when considering if he thought Ocon could have gone on to pass Daniel Ricciardo in front, who would eventually take the final podium place.
"I have to go only on my team and what they say. They have more information than all of us sitting here," Sergio said.
"I think they felt that Esteban wouldn't have had the chance to overtake him either, so I will believe them."
