Perez praises Verstappen: 'Unbelievable how he drove in some races'

Sergio Perez has nothing but praise for his teammate Max Verstappen after the title victory in the Japanese Grand Prix. The Mexican believes Verstappen has only got stronger as a driver this season.

Perez eventually played a key role in Verstappen's title victory. On the last lap of the race, Charles Leclerc made a mistake as Perez put considerable pressure on the Ferrari driver. The Monegasque received a time penalty for the incident and dropped from P2 to P3. This left Verstappen with just enough points to take home the world title at Suzuka.

"I am very proud of what Max has done this season. He has stepped up as a driver. At the beginning I was fighting with him, but halfway through the year he shifted gears. The way he drove in some races was incredible," Perez revealed in the press release from Red Bull Racing.

Earlier this week, Red Bull and Honda strengthened their partnership. Now Verstappen has won his second world title at the Japanese engine manufacturer's home track. Perez considers it an incredible achievement.

"It's a huge day for the team. To do this in Japan for Honda and with a one-two is incredible. Hopefully we can soon secure the constructors' championship for our team, that would be great. I am hugely looking forward to the rest of the year," the Mexican said.