Perez sees chances in championship: 'Five points behind Mercedes'

Sergio Perez just missed out on a podium finish. The Mexican had to make do with a P4 after Red Bull wanted to play it safe with a two-timer. Fernando Alonso eventually ran away with the third spot.

Perez had to start from P11 on the grid after failing to get into Q3 in qualifying. "We managed to get by a lot of cars, but probably not enough. We were debating a one-stop, a two-stop, I think we were concerned about the tyres exploding out there. We played it safe, and we got a good result for the team."

Indeed, there were several blowouts during the race, including one from Valtteri Bottas. The Finn crashed out, allowing Red Bull to overtake Mercedes in the constructors' championship.

'Still a lot to win'

"It was a very demanding race, it was flat out throughout the race. Not an easy one, we were pushing flat out. I think the virtual safety car prevented us from being on the podium to have a go on Fernando, unfortunately. Five points in the constructors so a lot to play for still," Perez said.