The Racing Point driver finished Portuguese GP in P7, losing two positions from Saturday (Perez’ qualifying result - P5). After that Sergio got a puncture and had to go to the pit stop, where he switched from the used Softs to a new set of Mediums.

Checo undertook an impressive Medium stint of 44 laps to rise from last all the way back to his original starting position of P5.

‍The driver would stop for the final time on Lap 46 and switch to used Softs, however late tyre drop-off would cost him two places in the final laps.

The strong Sergio’ return of points ensured Racing Point heads into F1’s return to Imola in the driving seat of the Constructors’ Championship battle for P3.

"When you consider how the race started, P7 is a very good result and we can be proud of the recovery," said Perez.

"We probably lacked full knowledge of the soft – because the practice sessions were disrupted – and we weren’t able to protect against graining enough in the last stint, so Gasly and Sainz were able to get by at the end.

‍"Still, it’s some important points and we recovered well from being in last place after the first lap. I’m looking forward to racing at Imola next time out."

Sergio also commented on the collision with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen on the first lap of the Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix. Verstappen was able to continue driving, and Perez had to make a pit stop after the spinning, which did not prevent Sergio from finishing the race in seventh position.

‍"The contact with Max Verstappen at the start was really unfortunate. The Mercedes at the front were struggling with the Mediums and Max was closing on them. I saw that Valtteri Bottas pushed Max wide and then he came back onto the track too aggressively causing a collision.

‍"It was then made worse by having a puncture and having to stop on the first lap. I had to drive to the pits with a big vibration too. We then ran a really strong stint on the mediums, which put us right back up towards the front, but the final stint on the soft tyres was tough."

However, after a solid race and a good result, some things still spoiled the mood of the driver. The stewards of the Portuguese GP issued a verdict on a dangerous episode involving Sergio Perez and Alfa Tauri driver Pierre Gasly shortly before the race finish. When braking for the first turn, the Mexican shifted to the right at the last moment, which caused Gasly, who also turned to the right, to brake sharply.

The stewards ruled that Perez did not start shifting in response to Gasly's actions, but first or at the same time. During the proceedings, both drivers admitted that the maneuver was borderline, but still normal. The stewards considered that Perez's actions in any case came too close to the dangerous edge, as a result of which the Mexican was issued an official warning — the second this season.