Sergio Perez has said that he hopes his Monaco podium serves to remind the Formula 1 world that he is still a driver worthy of a top team.
While it is often said that the Mexican's Force India teammate Nico Hulkenberg - the reigning Le Mans champion - is the more talented, Perez has been on the F1 podium six times versus the German's tally of zero.
Asked if Sunday's Monaco podium is a sign that he now deserves another shot with a top team, Perez said: "Well, I hope not only this [podium] but what I have been doing over the past years."
The 26-year-old thinks that his ill-fated single season with McLaren in 2013 has tainted his perception in F1 circles.
"I had a really tough time at McLaren and it seems that this is what everyone remembers," said Perez. "No-one remembers my time at Sauber, my time at Force India. All I can do is keep doing my job, keep doing as well as I can, keep improving as a driver.
"I think in the last years I have improved a lot. I'm a more complete driver in all aspects, qualifying, race, race pace, more experience. So if the opportunity ever comes, I will be ready for it and I'm up for it.
"If not, all I can keep doing is my job."
Next up on the calendar is the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend.
