Perez: McLaren experience huge step in my career

Sergio Perez believes that his time with McLaren in 2013 was crucial in his development as a driver. The Mexican partnered Jenson Button for his sole season at the team after which he found a home at Force India.

According to Perez, although his time with the team was far from smooth sailing, it helped him develop and gain experience at the sharp end of the grid which helped him in future years.

"The future was looking amazing," he told the official Formula One website. "Then McLaren came and things didn't work out.

"That year was just a nightmare, the car and being against someone so experienced who was coping well with a difficult car. In the first part of the season, it wasn't so good.

"In the second part of the season, I was beating him. But so many things happened at McLaren that year which meant I had no seat.

"Since joining Force India, I've been out of contract every year and every year I get some offers from other teams. Some good teams show interest in me so that's good.

"That's good on me, it makes me feel proud. I'm delivering on track. The last two years, I've been best of the rest. If you're not in a Mercedes or a Ferrari, Force India is probably the best place to be."