Sergio Perez labels Hulkenberg 'strongest team mate I've had'

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Sergio Perez is full of praise for his Renault-bound team mate Nico Hulkenberg, labeling the German as the "strongest team mate I've ever had in Formula 1."

The German driver recently announced his transfer from Force India to Renault next season, leaving behind a team for which he drove consistently for three season seasons, all of which were alongside his Mexican team mate.

Since his entry in Grand Prix racing in 2011, Perez has raced for three teams, Sauber, McLaren and Force India, and alongside Kamui Kobayashi, Jenson Button and Nico Hulkenberg.

"I think the relationship between myself and Nico was good," says Perez.

"I think our level was really closely matched every single practice.That means a lot to the team because we push the team forward and that shows in the benefit of the team to have two team-mates that are so closely matched together."

Perez insists on the positive emulation, for himself and the team, which stemmed from having a strong team mate as Hulkenberg.

"I always knew that if I didn't get the perfect lap in qualifying he would beat me and vice versa.

"And also in the race, and race after race, so that just helps the team because through our seasons [together] we had bad cars and good cars but it was always important to make sure we took the maximum out of each car.

"I think definitely Nico was the strongest team mate I had in Formula 1."

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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.