The Top 3 statements: Perez: “I hope I’m not dreaming, I’m speechless”
Discover the reactions of the top 3 of this Sakhir Grand Prix marked by Sergio Perez's victory. Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll complete this podium.
Perez: (1st) « I hope I’m not dreaming, I’m speechless »
The Racing Point driver wins his first Formula 1 Grand Prix this Sunday / « I hope I’m not dreaming, I’m speechless. I’ve been waiting for this moment for 10 years, it’s incredible. »
After his collision in the first lap, Perez restarted 18th. “For me, the race was dead after the first lap,” he commented. “I made a big mistake during the first safety car, I locked the wheel, and I had vibrations. But in the second stint, the pace was incredible.”
Launched into a phenomenal comeback in which he explains having maintained a sufficiently high pace, the Mexican finds himself in the lead after the Mercedes mix-up under the safety car caused by Aitken.
Finally, when asked how he feels after winning this race but still doesn’t have a seat for next season, the driver responds: « I’m at peace with myself, I no longer have the cards in hand, if I’m not on the grid in 2021, I’ll be back in 2022. »
Ocon: (2nd) « I have no words, I cried as I crossed the line »
The Renault driver, moved, achieves the first podium of his F1 career. « I have no words, I cried as I crossed the line. It was so emotional. »
Le Normand sums up his season: It’s been tough on my side this season, it hasn’t always paid off, but we’ve always stayed motivated, we attacked. Daniel is a reference, he had a very solid season. My progress is solid as well, I’m reducing the gap race after race.
Stroll: (3rd) « I think I could have won the race »
Lance Stroll completes this podium for Racing Point. Starting 10th, the Canadian battled with Ocon throughout the race: « I think I could have won the race. I had difficulty coming out of the pits and Esteban overtook me. »
This 3rd place this weekend marks the second podium for Stroll this year. The Racing Point driver is thrilled with this performance: « I’m extremely happy. It has been an incredible race. We are bringing back big points to the team this weekend. »
Finally, the Canadian expressed a thought for his teammate: “I’m super happy for Sergio. These are his last two races with us, and it’s great that it ends like this.”
