Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving his Racing Point team at the end of the season, which could provide an opportunity for quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel to replace him.
“Everything has a beginning and an end and after seven years together my collaboration with my team will end at the end of the season,” Perez, 30, said on Twitter.
“It hurts a bit because I helped the team during very difficult times and I saved the wheel of my teammates,” he added, suggesting that his departure is not voluntary.
Racing Point then confirmed in a statement the departure of Perez.
His team principal, Otmar Szafnauer recalled that the Mexican driver had recorded five podiums in total for Force India and then Racing Point and that they represented "among the greatest hours of the team".
"My plan is to continue racing (in F1) but I have to find a project that motivates me and to which I can devote myself completely"
Sergio perez
Perez had a total of six third places, one with Sauber in 2012 and five with Force India between 2014 and 2018. His best ranking in the Drivers' World Championship is a 7th place in 2016 and then in 2017. “I didn't. of plan B ”, affirmed the Mexican pilot, tested positive for the coronavirus on July 30 and which had consequently had to miss two Grand Prix for which he had been replaced by the German Nico Hülkenberg.
“My plan is to continue racing (in F1) but I have to find a project that motivates me and to which I can devote myself completely,” he added.
Racing Point, formerly Force India, is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll.
She is currently running, besides Perez, Lance Stroll, Lawrence's son.
Unconfirmed rumors have indicated the possible replacement of Sergio Perez, before he announced his departure, by Sebastian Vettel.
The quadruple German world champion, 33, must leave Ferrari and has not yet made known his intentions for the rest of his career.
Racing Point is set to take the name Aston Martin next year after Lawrence Stroll took a stake in the famous British sports car manufacturer.
The team must keep its Mercedes engines.
Racing Point has been at the forefront this year, notably with a 3rd place for Lance Stroll at the last Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The team was however the target of several protests from rival teams who accused it of having copied certain parts, in particular the brake scoops, on the Mercedes world champion last year.
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