Pink Bull crew principal Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez selected “to take a little bit of trip” from Components 1, regardless of the driving force insisting he meant to proceed racing.
Perez repeatedly said he had a contract to race for Pink Bull for an additional two seasons and had no intention of leaving proper up till the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when he acknowledged that talks had been deliberate regarding his future. After the announcement that an settlement has been reached between Perez and Pink Bull for him to go away the crew with fast impact, Horner stated the departure was instigated by the Mexican.
“It’s been a fruits of issues,” Horner informed ESPN. “Checo began the season so strongly, 4 podiums out of 5 races. It felt like he’d taken off the place he left off final 12 months.
“However then actually from Monte Carlo, that race onwards, it has been a really powerful 12 months for him and we’ve tried the whole lot with him and supporting him and principally he has come to his personal conclusion that I believe that now could be the best time to step away from Components 1 to take a little bit of trip.”
Sources near Perez refute Horner’s claims, however the Pink Bull crew principal additionally states his perception that the 34-year-old won’t return to F1, with no race seats out there in 2025 outdoors of the Pink Bull set-up.
“I believe the factor for Checo is to take a little bit of trip, spend it along with his household,” Horner stated. “He has been on the treadmill for a very long time now and [he has to] work out whether or not he desires to maintain getting into Components 1 or possibly have a look at different classes, possibly sports activities vehicles or one thing alongside these strains.
“However I believe foremost and utmost, he must take a while out and see how a lot he misses driving a grand prix automobile, after which solely he can resolve what he desires for the long run.”
RACER understands Liam Lawson is in line to exchange Perez, and Horner informed Sky Sports activities: “Now we have all the data that we’d like.
“Basically it will likely be a alternative between Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam. Each have gotten robust credentials. We examined Yuki not too long ago on the tire check in Abu Dhabi for an opportunity for him to work with the engineering crew. Liam has performed quite a lot of testing with us behind the scenes this 12 months as effectively and has pushed very effectively within the six or seven races that he’s had.
“So, we’ve all the data. We’re simply and contemplating all of that, talking with the engineering crew as effectively, and we’ll come to a conclusion within the coming days.”
