Perez admits Force India pace worse than expected

Sergio Perez was left disappointed following qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix. The Mexican dropped out in Q2, as did teammate Esteban Ocon, as he admits that the Silverstone-based team do not appear to look very competitive at the moment.

Force India has enjoyed two consecutive seasons as the fourth fastest team, but now have a challenge on their hands with McLaren, Renault and Haas all making improvements over winter. Perez, who is set to start tomorrow's race from P13 barring any penalties, was far from happy after he set a 'hell of a lap'.

"You can never be happy being P13," the 28-year-old said. "Especially knowing that I got a hell of a lap out there. It’s just not enough. It’s not like something went wrong. I think the performance today was there but it’s just where the car is. Hopefully we can improve and get closer to the competition.

Force India's car was heavily upgraded since Barcelona testing two weeks ago, but it appears that the team have slipped down the pecking order. However, with development continuing throughout the season, Perez thinks it will find itself moving upwards soon.

"I think the load of the car is not there,” he said. "We have probably less downforce than the other teams at the moment. But it’s a long season and I believe in the team, I think we can move up. We’ve been in this situation before in Melbourne, first race of the season. It’s a long trip to Abu Dhabi."

Fergal Walsh