Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez selected “to take a little bit of day trip” from System 1, regardless of the motive force insisting he supposed to proceed racing.
Perez repeatedly said he had a contract to race for Crimson Bull for one more 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 Crimson Bull for him to go away the group with speedy impact, Horner mentioned the departure was instigated by the Mexican.
“It’s been a end result 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 robust 12 months for him and we’ve tried all the things with him and supporting him and principally he has come to his personal conclusion that I feel that now could be the suitable time to step away from System 1 to take a little bit of day trip.”
Sources near Perez refute Horner’s claims, however the Crimson Bull group principal additionally states his perception that the 34-year-old won’t return to F1, with no race seats accessible in 2025 outdoors of the Crimson Bull set-up.
“I feel the factor for Checo is to take a little bit of day trip, spend it along with his household,” Horner mentioned. “He has been on the treadmill for a very long time now and [he has to] work out whether or not he needs to maintain entering into System 1 or perhaps have a look at different classes, perhaps sports activities vehicles or one thing alongside these traces.
“However I feel 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 needs for the longer term.”
RACER understands Liam Lawson is in line to exchange Perez, and Horner informed Sky Sports activities: “We’ve got all the knowledge that we’d like.
“Primarily will probably be a selection between Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam. Each have gotten robust credentials. We examined Yuki lately on the tire check in Abu Dhabi for an opportunity for him to work with the engineering group. Liam has finished a whole lot of testing with us behind the scenes this 12 months as properly and has pushed very properly within the six or seven races that he’s had.
“So, we now have all the knowledge. We’re simply and contemplating all of that, talking with the engineering group as properly, and we’ll come to a conclusion within the coming days.”
