Guadalajara native Sergio “Checo” Perez equaled his career-best finish in Formula One on Sunday, coming second in the Italian Grand Prix.

Having started 12^th on the grid, Perez finished the race in Monza just four seconds behind winner Lewis Hamilton, and 16 seconds ahead of third placed Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton led from the outset but the Tapatio made up significant ground, passing Alonso with seven laps to go. Perez adopted a different strategy to his opponents, starting on hard tires and stopping six laps after Hamilton to finish on faster medium tires.

“It was great strategy from my team and it was really enjoyable, it was one of those races where you have the pace and are the one attacking,” Perez said.

“I’m really determined to win before the end of the season,” he added, having sealed the third podium finish of his career. Perez finished second in the Malaysian Grand Prix in March and third in the Canadian Grand Prix in June, but is still awaiting his first victory.

Perez is now ninth in the standings with 65 championship points. Alonso leads with 179 points, while Hamilton is second with 142.

Perez’s impressive performance has reignited speculation that he will move from team Sauber to the iconic red of Ferrari next season. He is tipped to replace Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, who is one place behind him on the leader board, with 47 points.