Sergio Perez secured a second straight P3 finish after a solid performance throughout the weekend at COTA. 

It was a complicated day for the Mexican as he admitted after the race that he had suffered from diarrhea on Sunday morning – and had to contend with having no drink during the race. 

Nonetheless, his 14th podium finish in Formula One sees him move up to P4 in the standings, one point ahead of Lando Norris. 

The 31-year-old admitted it was a very difficult race because of his various struggles. Despite the problems, he finished 10s ahead of Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. 

''It was a horrible one,'' he said. 

''I was suffering from some diarrhea early in the morning for some reason; I hydrated myself really well. 

''But from lap one onwards I run out of drink and already from the first stint I was really struggling massively; I was losing strength and it was really difficult, especially the last 30 or 40 laps were extremely tough.'' 

Mercedes had been the favourites heading to Austin, but Red Bull took 1-3 on Sunday to close the gap in the Constructors’ Championship to 23 points.  

Checo admits it’s a huge lift for the team ahead of Mexico [his home event] and Brazil, tracks where Red Bull are expected to shine. 

''We got a nice boost but I’m looking forward so much to Mexico,'' he said. 

''Today was just a shame I couldn’t keep up with Max and Lewis, but I was so physically limited today. 

''I think Mexico should be another good track for us.''

 

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 🏆🏆 A sweet, sweet double podium #USGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/QoHgTv5pf9

— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) October 24, 2021

Someone get this guy a drink 🥵🏆 pic.twitter.com/wXmX3moMJq

— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) October 24, 2021