Star Driver: Perez adds to podium haul in Baku
The European Grand Prix was one of the most anticipated races of this season, making its first appearance on the calendar since 2012, when it was held in Valencia, Spain.
A brand new track is always a good one to watch, especially when it throws up a few surprises.
After practice, it was clear that Sergio Perez was thriving on the streets of Baku, and on Sunday he most certainly did.
For his consistently impressive work across the weekend, the Mexican is our ‘Star Driver’ of the European Grand Prix.
As I mentioned, Perez performed amazingly in qualifying as he managed to finish with a time worthy of being on the front row of the grid.
Unfortunately he faced a five-place grid penalty and found himself starting the race in seventh place.
Despite this disappointing setback, Perez arrived at the race track on Sunday with one goal; to finish on the podium.
He fought to achieve his aim, although much of the race it seemed he’d be finishing in fourth, as he was sat behind Kimi Raikkonen.
However, after the Finn received a five-second penalty, Perez would have automatically been pushed up to third.
The Force India driver didn’t let this stop him from pushing and on the final lap, he slipped past Raikkonen at turn one and stole third place.
Perez is becoming a regular podium finisher, with two in three races, so I don’t suppose I can call it a surprise anymore.
It’s refreshing to see a new face up there. Congratulations to both Sergio Perez and his team on a fantastic race.
I hope he holds on to his determination, it might just take him to the top.