Perez feels that 'next big thing' Ocon stole his thunder

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Sergio Perez believes his results last season were not properly appreciated, especially in light of the interest generated by his Force India team mate Esteban Ocon.

Perez concluded his 2018 campaign eighth in the Drivers' standings, which was four spots and 13 points ahead of Ocon, while he also scored his team's only podium of the year, a feat achieved in Baku.

A consistent and solid performer, the Mexican thinks a bit of over-familiarity has led F1's observers to take his results for granted while the much-talked-about Ocon - who will be sitting out the 2019 season - has often been placed on a pedestal

Perez: Ocon's year on the sidelines 'a risky move'

"It’s like people just get used to me," Perez told Motorsport.com.

"When I was new here, everyone was talking about me and I was the next big thing, as Esteban is right now.

"In 2017 I was best of the rest, I've been beating all my teammates I've had. So results in the end talk more than what people say.”

Last year's inner team battle between the two Force India/Racing Point drivers saw Ocon outqualify Perez 16-5, but the latter had the upper hand on Sundays.

The Mexican explained why his team mate was faster on Saturday afternoons.

"He was the better one in qualifying, although the margin was extremely small," said Perez.

"It is less than a tenth between us in qualifying. And I was the better one in the races. I got the most points and also the best results.

"I didn't feel very confident last year with the car to be honest," he added.

"I did struggle quite a lot throughout the year to balance the car, but I did manage to get the most out of it in the race.

"That’s to take nothing away from him. I didn't get on with it and he did better in qualifying. That’s it. It is up to me and to my team to get the best out of the car."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.