Belgian Grand Prix: Sergio Perez Helps Force India to Best Finish of the Year

Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez drove a brilliant race to end in fifth position, Force India's best finish this year, and bring home 10 points from the Belgian Grand Prix held at the iconic, seven kilometre long Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday. (Lewis Hamilton Wins Belgian GP)

Perez had a fantastic start, jumping into second spot by Turn 1 from his starting position of five. Midway through Lap 1 he challenged race leader Lewis Hamilton and also went into the lead for a few seconds before giving the position away during a tough fight with the Mercedes driver.

Britain's Hamilton eventually went on to win the 43-lap race from teammate Nico Rosberg of Germany and Romain Grosjean in his Lotus.

However, the race did not begin as expected by Perez's teammate Nico Hulkenberg as a mechanical failure saw him not even start the race.

Perez, on the other hand, had quite an eventful race. He stayed in contention for the podium for most of the race but eventually, overall race pace and strategy saw other drivers overtake him as he ended a creditable fifth.

Team principal Vijay Mallya was happy with the outcome of the race and tweeted about Perez's wonderful drive.

Great drive by Checo Perez to finish 5th.Disappointed that Nico could not start due to a turbo problem.Was looking forward to double points

- Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) August 23, 2015

Ten points for Perez and no points from Hulkenberg saw the Mexican overtake the German in the drivers' standings. Perez is now 11th with 25 points while his teammate a spot behind him with 24.