Perez saw tipping point: 'Then Verstappen was driving at another level'

Sergio Perez achieved an excellent result in Japan with a second place, but afterwards it was mostly about Max Verstappen's new world title. The Mexican had at the FIA press conference a good word for his teammate, whom he enjoyed again this year.

Verstappen suffered two stoppages early in the season, giving Charles Leclerc the opportunity to run away considerably. Perez also seemed to have a chance to battle for the world title, but that ultimately proved to be impossible.

"Well, I think Max has had an incredible season: a lot of respect for him," Perez then stated. "I've said it before: I don't feel like Red Bull have had a dominant car, to have won the championship the way Max won it, so I think he definitely pulled a gear or two compared to anyone else. "

"I think in the beginning I was a lot closer to him; once he got quite comfortable with the car and I was more uncomfortable with it, he was driving at another level compared to everyone you know. The races that he did were sometimes incredible, incredible to watch so yeah, a lot of respect for him."

Perez past Leclerc again

His second finishing position in Japan puts Perez back in second place in the world championship. However, his lead over rival Leclerc is just one point, leaving the next four Grands Prix to decide who is the 'best of the rest'.