The Russian Grand Prix drew to an amazing close for Force India, as their driver, Sergio Perez finished third in Sochi on Sunday, which looked impossible after Williams' Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen overtook the Mexican in the penultimate lap.
However, things fell in favour of Perez, as Bottas and Raikkonen collided in the final lap to help the Force India driver take third place, which was an amazing result for the Mexican. Perez's third place finish was only Force India's third podium finish in their Formula One history.
Though some may call Perez fortunate to finish in the top three, the Force India driver was one of the standout drivers of the race, as he spent majority of the second half of the race in third place. Perez and his Force India staff were decisive during the race, even more so as they decided to go for the all-important pit stop when the second safety car was introduced.
"Obviously Nico went out quite early, safety car came out. Then we had a second safety car and we decided to box. We were one of the few cars to box and I thought well...," said Perez
"The restart going behind Felipe and Nasr, I was just stuck there and couldn't get them so I decided to save my tyres together with the team, to look after them at the end of the race and it worked really well."
This might have been Force India's first podium finish this season, but they have been mighty impressive, scoring points on a consistent basis. Perez and Nico Hulkenberg have accumulated 54 and 38 points respectively.
Perez believes he is going through some of the finest moments of his career at present.
"I'm going through a great moment in my career. From where we are it's difficult to realise but people who look at my performance, they can see that I'm at my best moment in my career and that's something that makes me confident. I was confident going into the race, obviously not expecting a podium at all, but the race started quite well," said Perez.
Force India's performance this season even looks more amazing, when the constructors' championship table is taken into consideration, with the Vijay Mallya-owned team ahead of the likes of Lotus and Toro Rosso. Force India lie in fifth place on 92 points, while Lotus are in sixth position with 66 points.
With four more races to go, Force India will be eager to achieve as many points as possible and try to inch closer to Red Bull, who have 149 points. The Mexican Grand Prix is one of the four races left and Perez is aware that the team will be supported to the hilt in his hometown.
"It will be a great place. The fans are great here in Russia, so thanks for all of that. But at the same time, Mexico is going to be my most special weekend of all, no matter what result I get, and I am sure the whole paddock of Formula One will be shocked with the support we get there," added Perez.
