Sergio Perez to leave Racing Point after 2020 season
Sports Desk, Sep 9 (efe-epa).- Formula One driver Sergio “Checo” Perez announced Wednesday that he will be leaving the Racing Point team at end of this season.
“Everything in life always has a beginning and an end, and after seven years together, my time with the team will come to an end after the season,” the 30-year-old Mexican racer said.
“It hurts a bit as I bet on the team during very rough times. We managed to overcome obstacles and I am very proud of saving the jobs of several of my teammates,” Perez said, alluding to his role in the 2018 bankruptcy of what was then Force India, which led to the team’s acquisition by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll and its rebranding as Racing Point.
“I’ll keep the memories of the great moments lived together, the friendships and the satisfaction of always giving my all,” the Guadalajara native said. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity given to me Vijay Mallya, who believed in me in 2014 and allowed me to continue my F1 career with Force India.”
“To the current administration, led by Lawrence Stroll, I wish nothing but the best in the future, especially with the upcoming Aston Martin project,” Perez said, referring to plans for the team to adopt the Aston Martin name in 2021.
Perez debuted in F1 in 2011 with Sauber – now Alfa Romeo Racing – and had two second-place finishes in the 2012 season (Malaysia and Italy) before departing for McLaren.
After just a single campaign with McLaren, he secured a ride with Force India.
“I don’t have a Plan B,” Checo said. “My intention is to continue racing here (F1), but that would depend on finding a project that motivates me to continue giving my 100 percent on each lap.”
“I hope I can give you some good news real soon, but for now, let’s enjoy together the next races,” he said in a message posted on Twitter.
Perez, who took 10th place in last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, is currently 11th in the driver standings for the 2020 season.
The Mexican’s announcement comes amid speculation that Racing Point hopes to sign Sebastian Vettel, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the year.
The German four-time world champion said recently that he was conducting “loose talks” with Racing Point as the team prepares for its relaunch as Aston Martin. EFE
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