SERGIO PEREZ CLARIFIES THE SITUATION AND HE SAID : “VETTEL IN HIS CAREER HAS BEEN LUCKY”

There is still a place available with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, but the team rarely draws outside its pool of young drivers.

Sergio Perez confirms he’s had an approach from a rival team following rumours he could lose his seat at Racing Point to Sebastian Vettel next year.

However he repeatedly pointed out he has a contract to remain with his current team next year, when it will be rebranded as Aston Martin.
“I’m with the team as far as I know,” said Perez in response to a question from RaceFans. “I have a contract.

“I think the answer to these questions, it will only be time. We will see what happens in the next weeks. From my point of view I’ve got a contract with the team, I fully believe in the future of the team.”

The speculation linking four-times champion Vettel to his seat is “just part of the game,” said Perez.

“This team has taken a good step forward. It’s good to have big names related to the team because that means that we are making a good job, we’re making progress and I think the team should be proud of it. I’ve been in Formula 1 for 10 years so I’m used to this stuff.”

Asked whether a driver with Vettel’s pedigree would be attractive to Aston Martin, Perez said: “I think he is obviously a big name in the sport, he has done a lot during his career.

“There is no secret that he’s been extremely lucky as well to have great machinery throughout his career. But no one can take any credit from the successful career he’s had. So I think he’s definitely a good name to have in a team.”

The Vettel rumours have led prompted other teams, including some outside Formula 1, to contact Perez about his plans for 2021.

“In Formula 1 you never know,” he said. “Until even the start of the race, you don’t know if you’re racing. This is how things are.

“I know I’ve got a contract, I know that during the week obviously the rumours came out and we actually got contacted by a team in the paddock. I won’t say obviously names. Also other teams in other categories which was quite a surprise because we have a contract for next year.

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“At the moment there are just rumours around. Nothing more to add from my side other than that we’ve got a contract in place.”

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One rumoured potential destination for Perez in 2021 is Red Bull, as a replacement for Alexander Albon.

Asked by RaceFans whether he would be prepared to go up against Max Verstappen at the team, Perez said: “I believe in this business you are prepared to go up against anybody. You believe that you are the best, one of the best out there. So why not?”

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SERGIO PEREZ CLARIFIES THE SITUATION OF VETTEL AND ASTON MARTIN SERGIO PEREZ CLARIFIES THE SITUATION OF VETTEL AND ASTON MARTIN