Perez insists relationship with Ocon has improved

Sergio Perez has insisted that his relationship with Force India team-mate Esteban Ocon has improved significantly since the 'low point' of their partnership with they collided at high speed last season, and claimed that the constructor team must relax its orders if they are to keep up with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

In 2017 Force India were the fourth best team behind that trio but could have had some better results if not for the poor relationship between Perez and Ocon which led to some on-track collisions.

Officials with the team were forced to separate the duo from racing each other, but Perez has pleaded with his superiors to just let them race like normal whilst also claiming his relationship with Ocon has improved.

"We have got to understand how difficult it is going to be next year," Perez told Motorsport.com.

"We'll have the Renaults and McLarens pushing us hard. So we need to push freely if we are to be in the fight.

"We also need to have a car that is competitive from the beginning, to be in the fight from the start and be in the fight for the season. We hit a very low point on our relationship in Belgium," he added. "But things have got a lot better since then.

"We're working professionally. We know we work for a team and we have to do the best for them, especially for next year. It's going to be a massive challenge, given the competition and threat from bigger teams which have struggled."

Not only has Perez now claimed his relationship with Ocon is much better, but he took time out to praise his young team-mate.

"Esteban came to F1 really well prepared with his experience in the previous categories and relationships with F1 teams," Perez continued.

"So that was good for us.

"Every driver's personality is different. Certainly Esteban is someone who can be quick. He understands what he needs and that is important. He's been on it this year."