Sergio Perez believes it was a positive to have both Force India cars in the points positions at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Mexican driver started on soft tyres in 11th place on the grid while the top ten were on ultrasofts, and finished tenth to claim a fourth consecutive points finish. It was only the second time this season that both Perez and teammate Hulkenberg both have claimed points in a race, with Monaco being the other occasion.
Perez utilised a two-stop strategy during the race, going onto supersofts and softs, however, he feels that there could have been a different story to his race had he tried a different strategy.
“It was a difficult race and looking back I don’t think we chose the optimum strategy,” Perez said.
“We tried to go down a different route compared to everyone else, but the cooler track conditions didn’t help: it was very difficult to get heat into the soft tyres during the first stint and that cost me a few positions at the start.
“I got stuck behind the two McLarens and that hurt my race. I lost a few seconds at the final stop when I briefly stalled the car and that dropped me behind Kvyat, but I managed to get the position back with an overtake going into turn one.
“In any case, to bring both cars home inside the points is a good result for the team, especially when the weekend doesn’t really go your way. We gave it our best and we have come home with points in the bag.”
Perez remains in ninth place in the Drivers’ Championship after the result, with Force India staying in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
