F1 media "a lot harder" on a Red Bull driver - Perez

Sergio Perez has conceded to the pressure and media scrutiny being much tougher on a Red Bull driver compared to when he drove for other F1 teams.

Following a troubled start to the past year with the team due to Perez's difficulties in understanding a car that was alien to what he had been accustomed to, the Mexican went on to finish fourth in the drivers' standings.

Perez scored a race victory in Azerbaijan, albeit courtesy of a late blowout suffered by team-mate Max Verstappen, and four other podiums but finished 205.5 points adrift of the Dutch driver.

Conceding to his season being "extremely intense", Perez added: "A lot of work has been done behind the scenes, [there was] a lot of pressure.

"When you are at Red Bull Racing, the pressure is on and everyone is watching you, what you do. [The media] is a lot harder to a Red Bull driver, which is understandable.

"It hasn't been easy but it has brought me onto another level. Having Max as a team-mate, he really pushes you to new levels and makes you really happy.

"I am enjoying it a lot at this point of my career. I am really happy and that is most important."

Assessing what is required going forward into next season, Perez added: "I have been close on many occasions in many races.

"But when you are out of position, I think the main thing I lacked was consistency and being at 100 per cent with the car.

"I have to raise my game for next year and hopefully we are all able to go forwards."

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