F1 driver: “All the teams wanted me. I had three options with superiors”

Formula 1 pilot Sergio Perez admitted that he had the opportunity to join Mercedes at the beginning of his career, but eventually agreed with McLaren.

The Mexican pilot made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2011 and quickly attracted the attention of the peloton. During the 2012 season, Perez reached the podium three times, making him one of the most sought-after young drivers in the championship.

Perez moved to McLaren in 2013, where he became teammate of Jenson Button and replaced Hamilton at Mercedes.

Perez also said he had several options to continue his career, including Ferrari, whose academy he represented in the early years of F1.

“Everything happened very quickly. I was the most desired rider in the peloton. When a young driver comes to Formula 1 and shows immediate results, all the teams want to sign him because they don’t know how high his potential can be,” Perez said.

“I had three options with the best teams. One is Ferrari, because thanks to them I got into Formula 1. It made sense to go this way, but they couldn’t offer me a position until 2014. I was young, impatient and wanted to fight for the championships now.”

Perez also admitted that Hamilton could go to Mercedes if he stays at McLaren.

“Suddenly there was another option. I always thought I would never race for McLaren or Red Bull because these teams generally rely on their trainees.”

However, McLaren was nervous about Hamilton’s departure. “If he hadn’t gone to Mercedes, I could have joined the Brackley team.”

“McLaren was very convincing and offered me a contract and I accepted.”

However, Perez’s collaboration with McLaren only lasted one season; After an unsuccessful 2013, the Woking team terminated the contract with the Mexican driver.

Perez later raced for Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull, from which he leaves at the end of the 2024 season. After a one-year break, the Mexican driver will return to Formula 1 this year as part of the Cadillac team.