Sergio Perez is “possibly the most underrated driver” in Formula 1, according to deputy Force India team boss Bob Fernley.
His comments come after the Mexican finally broke the record for the most podiums by a driver from the Central American nation with his 10th career rostrum finish at the Azerbaijan GP and his second in Baku.
‘Checo’ has always been considered one of the most dependable and highly-talented men on the grid, yet prospects of a second chance at the front, following his disappointing year with McLaren in 2013, remain bleak.
“I feel for Sergio in many ways because I think he is possibly the most underrated F1 driver out there,” Fernley told Sky Sports.
“As a racer he’s amazing and, not that we would ever want to lose him, but I think it’s criminal that he’s been overlooked.”
Before McLaren, Perez was a part of the Ferrari academy and was often linked with the Scuderia during his Sauber days and even as recently as 2016.
With his Force India teammate Esteban Ocon likely lined up for Mercedes and no room at Red Bull, that would only leave his old stomping ground as a possible option to get that second opportunity.
“I think everybody wants to go to Ferrari. To wear the red overalls is a great privilege,” Fernley commented.
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As for the 27-year-old himself, he too, of course, believes his potential in F1 is yet to have been reached.
“I still feel that there is so much more I can do in the sport,” Perez told Sky Sports in Baku.
“I also feel that my time will come because I work really hard, I really put my effort in to have an opportunity and I feel I deserve to have a car to show my full potential.
“There hasn’t been an opportunity or vacancy in the top teams. If you want to do something in F1 you really have to be in one of those teams.”
