Sergio Perez describes Nico Hulkenberg as the “strongest team-mate” he has had to go up against so far in his F1 career, despite partnering 2009 world champion Jenson Button at McLaren.
The Mexican made his series debut in 2011 with Sauber, where he spent a couple of formative years racing alongside Kamui Kobayashi. His ill-fated 2013 spell at Woking then forced him to find refuge at Force India.
Since then, Perez and Hulkenberg have dominated one season apiece, with the German having the upper hand in 2014 before slipping behind his team-mate last year. Most importantly, the reigning Le Mans champion is still looking for his maiden F1 podium after 94 starts, while Perez already has five to his name.
That disparity does not prevent the Mexican from holding Hulkenberg in very high regard.
“Definitely I have learned a lot from Nico," Perez told Autosport.
“He's been the strongest team-mate I've had in my whole career: a very strong driver. I definitely would put him among the three best drivers on the grid.
“I believe if I can be ahead of him, I can be ahead of anyone on the grid.”
Hulkenberg also enjoys teaming up with Perez, though he remains mindful of F1’s cardinal ‘beat your team-mate’ rule.
“A good relationship in F1 can be described by a fun word that I just heard the other day,” Hulkenberg said in an interview with the official F1 website.
“It’s called ‘frenemy’- a weird mix between friend and enemy. In this environment you’ll switch quickly from team spirit to rivalry, and back.
“It’s a wicked, wicked love/hate thing. The good thing is we don’t have to choose curtains together: I’ve heard that can be very dangerous for any relationship. But overall I am very happy with my team-mate, we get on well together.”
Key dates for the 2016 F1 season
