Sergio Pérez respects Di Montezemolo’s opinion and denies the rumors
Sergio Pérez denies any contact with a top team for a transfer in 2013 this Thursday and says he respects Luca di Montezemolo's opinion. However, while the latter recently stated that the Mexican was not sufficiently ready to take on the role of a Ferrari driver, Pérez thinks otherwise.
Courted, Sergio Pérez would be as much as possible, if one indeed believes the rumors stirring up the transfer market. After an encouraging 2011 season, the Guadalajara native quickly made headlines in 2012 by reaching the podium at the Malaysian Grand Prix. It was enough for the Ferrari Driver Academy driver to become the top contender to replace a struggling Felipe Massa, even though other names, more or less credible, have circulated over the months.
Author of another standout performance in Monza, the Mexican once again reminded Luca di Montezemolo of his talents. However, di Montezemolo believes that the Sauber driver is not yet ready to bear the weight of wearing the red jersey: « I respect what Di Montezemolo said about experience, » comments Pérez upon his arrival in Singapore. « I respect his opinion. I need to know my position and perhaps he means that to become a Ferrari driver, one might need to do more. It’s only my second year in Formula One. I feel ready to do a good job in a top team to be able to fight for the title: from this perspective, I feel ready. »
In any case, while the doors at Maranello seem more or less closed for Pérez in 2013, those leading to McLaren have slightly opened since rumors intensified about a potential departure of Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. However, when asked if he is in contact with top teams, the 22-year-old simply responds negatively and analyzes: In my position, knowing that I achieve good results because I fight for points and am sometimes able to make it to the podium, it always fuels rumors. Then when you have a bad race, there are no more rumors. In this regard, I am not worried: I know I have a good car for the next seven races, so I hope we can achieve good results.
And the Mexican added: « There are so many rumors. First Ferrari, now it’s McLaren. Every time I have a good race, I’m placed in a different team. The most important thing is to continue doing good work and to make the most of our potential in the upcoming races. »
