Perez: “I hope I am not dreaming” after maiden F1 win in Sakhir

Sergio Perez says he hopes ‘he’s not dreaming’ after clinching his maiden Formula 1 victory in the Sakhir Grand Prix.

The Mexican dropped to the back of the field on the opening lap after he was spun around by Charles Leclerc at Turn 4.

He managed to make his way back through the field, including overtakes on teammate Lance Stroll and Renault's Esteban Ocon.

The race turned on its head under the Safety Car when the Mercedes pair stopped for fresh rubber.

Mercedes didn’t have the correct tyres ready for George Russell or Valtteri Bottas, with the duo dropping to fourth and fifth as Perez inherited the lead.

Russell managed to slice his way through the field on fresh mediums and began his pursuit of Perez. 

Russell then picked up a puncture while running two seconds behind Perez, allowing the Racing Point driver to build a sizeable gap to Ocon in second, which he maintained to the chequered flag.

Reflecting on his maiden F1 victory, Perez said: “I am a bit speechless. I hope I am not dreaming because I dream so many years being in this moment. 10 years, 10 years it took me. Incredible. I don’t know what to say.

“After the first lap, the race was again gone, same as last weekend. But it was all about not giving up, recovering, going for it, just making the best we possibly could, The season, the luck hasn’t been with us this year but we finally got it. I think We won today on merit, the Mercs had some issues but in the end my pace was strong enough to hold George, who did a fantastic race today.”

Perez is still without a drive for next season and even if he’s not able to secure a seat for 2021, the Mexican is confident he will be back in 2022.

“It just gives me a bit more peace with myself,” Perez added. “What happens is not so much in my hands at the moment, but I know and I want to keep going. So, if I am not on the grid next year I will be back in 2022.”