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Perez expecting more pressure at McLaren

Sergio Perez expects to be under more pressure to get results at McLaren than he was at Sauber last season © Sutton Images

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Sergio Perez is expecting the pressure to mount now he is a McLaren driver this year.

After two years at Sauber, Perez joined McLaren over the winter and is aiming to win the title in his first year. Speaking during his first public appearance as a McLaren driver, he said he is aware the pressure will build during his time at McLaren.

"When you come into McLaren you are expected to win every race because you are in the best team," he said. "If you are not winning there is something wrong. In that respect I expect more and more pressure but as a driver you are lucky to be in the best team and to win races and championships."

However, Perez said he'd felt ready to make the step up to a top team since he first joined Sauber in 2011.

"I really felt ready in my first year because as a driver you are always hungry to go into the top teams and be able to fight for wins," he added. "My main target from last year was to secure a drive at a top team and I had a very good year, some ups and downs, but overall I finished 10th and it gave me the opportunity to come into the best team in Formula One."

Perez will face Jenson Button as his team-mate at McLaren and admitted it would take a number of races before he is on a par with the 2009 world champion.

"It's very difficult to tell you in which race I will beat Jenson and have my first win," Perez said. "I have to get myself ready and get myself as ready as possible for the first race and score as many points as possible from the first race onwards."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.