Purple Bull staff principal Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez selected “to take a little bit of outing” from Formulation 1, regardless of the motive force insisting he supposed to proceed racing.
Perez repeatedly acknowledged he had a contract to race for Purple 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 Purple Bull for him to go away the staff with speedy impact, Horner mentioned the departure was instigated by the Mexican.
Purple Bull made the correct choice – however now it is about to make the unsuitable one
Perez departs Purple Bull Racing
The RACER Mailbag, December 18
“It’s been a fruits of issues,” Horner advised 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 every part with him and supporting him and principally he has come to his personal conclusion that I feel that now could be the correct time to step away from Formulation 1 to take a little bit of outing.”
Sources near Perez refute Horner’s claims, however the Purple Bull staff principal additionally states his perception that the 34-year-old won’t return to F1, with no race seats accessible in 2025 exterior of the Purple Bull set-up.
“I feel the factor for Checo is to take a little bit of outing, spend it together 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 desires to maintain getting in Formulation 1 or perhaps have a look at different classes, perhaps sports activities automobiles 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 automotive, after which solely he can resolve what he desires for the longer term.”
RACER understands Liam Lawson is in line to switch Perez, and Horner advised Sky Sports activities: “We’ve all the data that we’d like.
“Primarily it is going to be a selection 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 staff. Liam has completed lots 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, now we have all the data. We’re simply and contemplating all of that, talking with the engineering staff as properly, and we’ll come to a conclusion within the coming days.”
