Victory at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this month highlighted why Sergio Perez is the "perfect team-mate to Max Verstappen " according to former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen.
It was the Mexican's second win of the season, following an impressive performance at the Monaco Grand Prix. It also meant Red Bull still had a driver on the top step of the podium in Verstappen's absence – the Dutchman had to settle for seventh in a frustrating race.
And a week later in Japan, Perez played a major role in his team-mate making sure of the 2022 drivers' title. He looked set to wait until at least Austin before sealing the championship, but some excellent driving on the final lap at Suzuka forced Charles Leclerc into incurring a penalty which saw him dropped behind Perez to third place.
