Mexican Sergio Perez is confident he remains in a better place with Force India, despite praising the Renault team he snubbed last year.

The seven-time podium sitter was one of the initial targets for the Enstone outfit last summer, with a deal at one point believed to be very close. Eventually, Perez decided to stay with Force India for 2017, only for his then team-mate Nico Hulkenberg to take up an offer from the French carmaker.

Currently, Checo's decision appears to have been justified, sitting seventh in the Drivers' championship, with his team fourth in the Constructors', but he doesn't deny the progress made by Renault this season.

"I think Renault has been really a good surprise for Formula 1," the 27-year-old said. "I think they've made an impressive step. It will be interesting to see how they are able to develop."

Ultimately, however, he expects Force India to come out on top in the recently quite tense and personal battle between the two teams.

"No, I'm happy where I am," Perez responded when asked if he had any regrets. "We will see in Barcelona what we are able to do compared to everyone else. We are fourth in the Constructors' at the moment. I think we're looking good.

"Obviously we've been taking opportunities from others, we definitely don't have the pace to be there. I expect that once we have the pace, things should be a lot better."