Pérez was also being followed by Mercedes for 2013
Sergio Pérez signed with the McLaren team for the 2013 season, but the Mexican driver was also on the Mercedes AMG team's shortlist in case negotiations with Hamilton failed.
Following the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes from next season, the McLaren team has decided to sign Sergio Pérez, but the Mexican driver was also being considered by another team… Mercedes.
In fact, according to Auto Motor und Sport, the current Sauber driver was on the Stuttgart team’s shortlist in case Lewis Hamilton did not sign. Continuing with Michael Schumacher as a driver was therefore only Mercedes AMG’s third option, according to the German daily.
Pérez, winner of three podiums this year, was reportedly contacted by Mercedes while negotiations with Hamilton were still ongoing, as the star-branded company likely wanted to avoid being disappointed in case the 2008 World Champion declined.
