Sergio Perez believes he will be allowed to race Esteban Ocon at this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, claiming Force India will abandon the team orders it has imposed in recent races.
Relations between Perez and exciting new recruit Ocon have been tense throughout the year, with costly collisions in Azerbaijan and Belgium the flashpoints.
In the last two races, the Mexican has been instructed to remain behind his team-mate in a bid to avoid a repeat.
However, with a lucrative fourth place in the constructors’ virtually in the bag, Perez is confident those restrictions will be eased.
“In Austin and in Japan, for example, we knew that the priority is to secure fourth place in the constructors’ which we’re very close to doing,” he explained.
“So that’s the main priority. Then I think we have to gain the trust back, to show the bosses that we can race without any trouble. We should be able to race here.
“That’s the main priority I think here we can be quite strong actually.”
The 27-year-old will be eyeing a headline result at his home race, and his hopes have been boosted by an upgrade package.
“We have a couple of upgrades on the car and the track should suit the car quite well, so definitely looking forward to finishing our very good season on a high.”
