Even 'miracle' won't cure McLaren problems - Perez

Jun.14 (GMM) Not even "a miracle" could speed McLaren back to the front of the field in the immediate future, new team driver Sergio Perez admitted this week.

Just as the young Mexican arrived at Woking to replace Lewis Hamilton, the great British team faltered with its 2013 car, and currently is ranked behind not only the four big teams but also the similarly Mercedes-powered Force India.

Asked about the chance of a good result at Silverstone late this month, Perez admitted: "There is nothing that can save us; not rain, not a miracle," he is quoted in a French-language report by the Agence France-Presse news agency.

The 23-year-old admitted that his season so far - his first with a big team - has been "frustrating".

"It's not the year I wanted. Last year, at this time, I had more points (at Sauber)," said Perez.

"The (McLaren) car has so many problems, and we are so far behind that there is not a single issue that we can focus on."

He said he is hoping to "at least be on a podium" at some point in 2013, adding: "At the moment, we cannot even think about it."

Perez also dismissed recent criticism of his driving, like at Monaco where Kimi Raikkonen said he wanted to punch the Mexican after their collision.

"I'm not in Formula One to not be criticised, or to please everyone," he insisted.

"I'm in Formula One to fight for my team. If that attracts criticism for me, then I don't care."