Emerson Fittipaldi has revealed how impressed he is with Sergio Perez's recent performances in the Red Bull car.

The Mexican could potentially be a title contender this year, though he's obviously against a very strong driver in team-mate Max Verstappen, and his performances of late have been very consistent.

Indeed, a win at the Monaco Grand Prix and a good result in Baku has moved him into second in the championship, behind Max, with it clear he's looking well at home in the RB18.

Speaking to Vegas Insider, former champ Fittipaldi expressed praise for the Mexican, and said that it's going to be interesting watching the two drivers battle for supremacy over the coming weeks:

"I'm very happy Checo Perez is performing so fast and so well. He has adapted to the team, adapted to the car, adapted to the engineers. His performance is really fast.

"I was surprised on what happened in the race, as suddenly he (Checo) lost a lot of speed compared to Max. But it's very interesting for the racing fans to see Checo challenge Verstappen.

"It's happened this year in a few Grands Prix and it is going to happen the next few Grands Prix.

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 10: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 10, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

“It's very interesting, I think that's part of the show part of the competition in Formula 1 and I'm very happy that Checo is confident, driving fast, is doing well and from now on you only can improve and it’ll be great to see.”