Sunday: Hülkenberg helps Pérez secure Force India’s 2nd podium

Sergio Pérez (No. 11) – 3rd

After experiencing the joys of the podium in 2012 and a difficult year with McLaren in 2013, Sergio Pérez returned to the podium at Sakhir: « This podium is a true reward and one of the most special results of my entire career. It will boost my confidence, especially after a difficult season last year. » The race was not easy for the Mexican, who had some tough laps, particularly at the very end of the Grand Prix: « I had to keep my pace and I knew the Red Bulls were coming back at me. In the end, I managed to hold my position and achieve this very special result in only my third race with the team. »

Sergio Pérez was a major player in the discussions by being in the quartet fighting for third place: « I also had a great battle with my teammate throughout the race. » After the first pit stop, Nico Hülkenberg was indeed ahead of Sergio Pérez, but the Mexican managed to regain the advantage during the fight against the Williams: « It was the crucial moment. ».

Nico Hülkenberg (No. 27) – 5th

The German greatly appreciated the battle with his teammate for the majority of the race: « The battle with Checo was really clean and fair, and when you’re fighting for the podium, you give everything you have but always stay within the limits. »

That said, the former Sauber driver had a difficult end to the race after the safety car came out. « I was behind Checo and felt I could go a bit faster, but I didn’t have clean air, which caused me to suffer in the end. »

The Force India driver could not keep up with the pace of his teammate and eventually had to concede to Daniel Ricciardo: « I held Ricciardo off as long as I could and managed to stay ahead of Vettel. » The German knows that today’s result is really good for the team and looks forward to Shanghai: « We showed once again that we are competitive, so let’s hope we can maintain this form in China. »