Respected F1 news outlets are reporting that Sergio Perez is close to signing a deal with Force India for the 2014 season.
The Mexican driver was dropped by McLaren for 2014 ahead of his 'home race' in Austin, Texas, earlier in the month. His replacement, rookie Kevin Magnussen, was announced a few days later.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh recently confirmed that he tried to encourage several teams - including Force India and Sauber - to hire Perez for next season.
The 55-year-old hinted that Perez will be heading to the former Jordan Grand Prix team, saying: "I am very happy. He is a young man, he has been incredibly dignified, and he is very much liked in this team. He is a thoroughly likeable guy and I’ve told him to prove us wrong! That is his job now.
"I am delighted for him. He is a friend of the team but he will go out there and try to beat us. I hope that is the spirit he will take."
Despite a five-place grid penalty for the 2013 season finale in Brazil, Perez put in a strong performance to rise from 19th to sixth by the chequered flag. He was recently quoted saying there was a "95 percent" chance that he would remain in F1.
There is no doubt that Perez is in a strong position to fill one of the vacant 2014 seats. He has the enviable combination of speed, which he has proved throughout his debut season with McLaren, and solid financial backing from the Telmex group.
But who could he replace? Current word on the street is that Force India will have an all new line-up in 2014. Adrian Sutil indicated over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend that a deal with one F1 team has been signed, but he didn't specify which, and Paul di Resta's future in the sport isn't looking good.
Despite scoring more points in comparison to the more experienced Sutil this year, di Resta is currently on course to lose a seat in F1 due to some lacklustre mid-season performances and a lack of strong financial backing.
If he is left without a drive, it will be a real shame. However, at the end of the day, midfield teams like Force India need a combination of money and speed and the Scot only tick's one of the two boxes. He admitted last weekend that he has "no idea" about his future but said a move to IndyCar or a return to DTM could be possible options.
His current team could also be the landing spot for Nico Hulkenberg. German media, including the reliable Sport Bild, are reporting that he has signed a deal to return to the team after last racing for them in 2012. I believe this could be a very strong, and likely, line-up which will bring a good balance of experience and talent to the team.
But what about Sutil? Who is the mystery team that he has signed to drive for? The strongest possibility is Sauber, a strong midfield team who would benefit from his sponsorship package and his obvious talent behind the wheel of F1 machinery. He will also bring some vital experience to the team with the new regulations.
With plenty of options to consider for several team principals in the F1 paddock, one thing is for certain: silly season looks set to continue for quite some time.
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| (c) Octane Photographic |
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh recently confirmed that he tried to encourage several teams - including Force India and Sauber - to hire Perez for next season.
The 55-year-old hinted that Perez will be heading to the former Jordan Grand Prix team, saying: "I am very happy. He is a young man, he has been incredibly dignified, and he is very much liked in this team. He is a thoroughly likeable guy and I’ve told him to prove us wrong! That is his job now.
"I am delighted for him. He is a friend of the team but he will go out there and try to beat us. I hope that is the spirit he will take."
Despite a five-place grid penalty for the 2013 season finale in Brazil, Perez put in a strong performance to rise from 19th to sixth by the chequered flag. He was recently quoted saying there was a "95 percent" chance that he would remain in F1.
There is no doubt that Perez is in a strong position to fill one of the vacant 2014 seats. He has the enviable combination of speed, which he has proved throughout his debut season with McLaren, and solid financial backing from the Telmex group.
But who could he replace? Current word on the street is that Force India will have an all new line-up in 2014. Adrian Sutil indicated over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend that a deal with one F1 team has been signed, but he didn't specify which, and Paul di Resta's future in the sport isn't looking good.
Despite scoring more points in comparison to the more experienced Sutil this year, di Resta is currently on course to lose a seat in F1 due to some lacklustre mid-season performances and a lack of strong financial backing.
 |
| (c) Octane Photographic |
His current team could also be the landing spot for Nico Hulkenberg. German media, including the reliable Sport Bild, are reporting that he has signed a deal to return to the team after last racing for them in 2012. I believe this could be a very strong, and likely, line-up which will bring a good balance of experience and talent to the team.
But what about Sutil? Who is the mystery team that he has signed to drive for? The strongest possibility is Sauber, a strong midfield team who would benefit from his sponsorship package and his obvious talent behind the wheel of F1 machinery. He will also bring some vital experience to the team with the new regulations.
With plenty of options to consider for several team principals in the F1 paddock, one thing is for certain: silly season looks set to continue for quite some time.
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