Sergio Perez replaces Hamilton at McLaren McLaren have today confirmed that they have agreed terms with Sergio Perez on a multi year deal from the 2013 season as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who left McLaren this week to signed for Mercedes. Perez, a 22 year old Mexican, has enjoyed three podium finishes in his first two seasons in Formula 1, with the Sauber team, will now partner Jenson Button at McLaren I'm thrilled and delighted to have become a McLaren driver," said Perez. "The McLaren name is one of the greatest in the history of F1. I'm truly honoured that they've chosen me." Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal, hailed Perez as an "extremely exciting prospect for the future" and believes he can follow in Hamilton's footsteps by winning the world championship for the Woking based team. "We have got the opportunity to mould and form the rising star of Formula 1," he said. "It's the opportunity to turn him into an international brand, an international star and a world champion." Perez is a product of Ferrari's driver academy and had been linked with a move to the Italian team as replacement for Felipe Massa. However, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo claimed Perez lacked the necessary experience. Perez has enjoyed an impressive 2012 season with Sauber, taking podium finishes in Malaysia, Canada and Italy to catch the eye of McLaren as they considered Hamilton's replacement. |
