Purple Bull group principal Christian Horner claims Sergio Perez selected “to take a little bit of trip” from Components 1, regardless of the motive force insisting he supposed to proceed racing.
Perez repeatedly said he had a contract to race for Purple 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 referring to his future. After the announcement that an settlement has been reached between Perez and Purple Bull for him to depart the group with quick impact, Horner stated the departure was instigated by the Mexican.
“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 yr.
“However then actually from Monte Carlo, that race onwards, it has been a really powerful yr for him and we’ve tried every thing with him and supporting him and principally he has come to his personal conclusion that I believe that now’s the correct time to step away from Components 1 to take a little bit of trip.”
Sources near Perez refute Horner’s claims, however the Purple Bull group principal additionally states his perception that the 34-year-old may not return to F1, with no race seats obtainable in 2025 exterior of the Purple Bull set-up.
“I believe the factor for Checo is to take a little bit of trip, spend it together 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 in Components 1 or possibly take a look at different classes, possibly sports activities automobiles or one thing alongside these traces.
“However I believe 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 exchange Perez, and Horner advised Sky Sports activities: “We have now all the data that we want.
“Basically it is going to be a selection between Yuki [Tsunoda] and Liam. Each have gotten sturdy credentials. We examined Yuki lately on the tire take a look at in Abu Dhabi for an opportunity for him to work with the engineering group. Liam has completed loads of testing with us behind the scenes this yr as nicely and has pushed very nicely 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 group as nicely, and we’ll come to a conclusion within the coming days.”
