Perez reveals shock at replacing Hamilton at McLaren

Sergio Perez has opened up about the surprise move that saw him replace Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2013. The Mexican driver admitted he never anticipated driving for top-tier teams like McLaren and Red Bull, noting that most top seats are usually reserved for academy graduates.

Why it matters:

Perez's anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes negotiations and bold promises teams make to secure talent during transition periods. It underscores the significant gamble drivers face when switching teams, relying on engineering projections that don't always translate to on-track performance.

The details:

• The Unexpected Offer: Perez revealed he was getting desperate for a top seat when McLaren approached him. The team was nervous about Hamilton's impending departure to Mercedes and needed a proven talent quickly.
• The "Frankenstein" Pitch: To convince Perez, McLaren claimed they had built the "best car in their history." They described the MP4-28 as a hybrid design featuring the front of a McLaren, the middle of a Red Bull, and the rear of a Ferrari.
• The Reality Check: The previous season saw McLaren fighting for the championship, leading Perez to believe the promises. However, the car proved to be a disaster, resulting in the worst year in the team's history.
• Short Tenure: Perez remained with the Woking-based squad for just one season before moving to Force India, which later became Racing Point.

Looking ahead:

While the McLaren move didn't go to plan, Perez eventually found a home at Red Bull Racing. The article highlights his career trajectory, noting that after a year away, he is set to return to the grid with Cadillac's new team alongside Valtteri Bottas.