French GP: Sergio Perez stresses importance of good result after recent retirements

Sergio Perez says he’s eager to get himself back to points-scoring ways after seeing his championship hopes take a hefty hit over the last few races.

The Mexican was Max Verstappen’s chief title rival not so long ago but two retirements in the last three races – one in Canada and one in Austria – has seen him drop away from the Dutchman and also behind Charles Leclerc in the standings.

It’s a far from ideal situation, then, but as we enter the second half of the season there are still plenty of races to go and points to play for, and Checo is hopeful that he can get on a run and get scoring some all-important points.

Speaking to the press here in France on Thursday, Perez reflected on recent results:

“It is crucial. It’s been really difficult. Like you say, two DNFs in the last three races, it’s really bad for the championship hopes, so hopefully we are able to get in the run and start scoring those big points in the next two weekends before the summer break.”

There are two more races before we head into the summer break in August, with France this weekend and Hungary next weekend.

There’s a good chance that after the summer we’ll start seeing teams – namely Red Bull and Ferrari – decide if both or just one of their drivers are worth focusing on in terms of the championship fight, too, and so the next couple of Grands Prix are naturally important for Checo to try and close up the gap.