Pink Bull staff principal Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez selected “to take a little bit of outing” from Components 1, regardless of the driving force insisting he supposed to proceed racing.
Perez repeatedly said he had a contract to race for Pink 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 Pink Bull for him to depart the staff with rapid impact, Horner mentioned 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 robust 12 months for him and we’ve tried all the pieces 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 Components 1 to take a little bit of outing.”
Sources near Perez refute Horner’s claims, however the Pink Bull staff principal additionally states his perception that the 34-year-old may not return to F1, with no race seats obtainable in 2025 outdoors of the Pink Bull set-up.
“I feel the factor for Checo is to take a little bit of outing, 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 moving into Components 1 or possibly take a look at different classes, possibly 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 automotive, after which solely he can resolve what he needs for the longer term.”
RACER understands Liam Lawson is in line to interchange Perez, and Horner informed Sky Sports activities: “We’ve all the knowledge that we want.
“Primarily will probably 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 staff. Liam has completed lots 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 now have all the knowledge. We’re simply and contemplating all of that, talking with the engineering staff as effectively, and we’ll come to a conclusion within the coming days.”
