Sergio Perez Reveals the Inside Story of Replacing Lewis Hamilton at McLaren

Sergio Perez has revealed the surprising backstory of how he unexpectedly landed a seat at McLaren to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2013. The Mexican driver admitted he never anticipated driving for top-tier teams like McLaren or Red Bull due to their reliance on junior academies, but a sudden vacancy and a bold pitch from Woking changed his career path.

Why it matters:

Perez's recollection sheds light on the intense pressure and persuasive tactics teams use during driver market shuffles. It also underscores the inherent risk drivers take when signing contracts based on projected performance rather than proven results, a gamble that defined a crucial turning point in Perez's journey to the front of the grid.

The Details:

• The Opportunity: Perez was entering his third season with Sauber when Hamilton shocked the paddock by leaving for Mercedes. McLaren, suddenly in need of a proven performer, approached Perez.
• The Sales Pitch: Perez explained on the Cracks Podcast that McLaren was incredibly convincing. They claimed to have engineered the "best car in their history," describing it as a hybrid masterpiece featuring the front of a McLaren, the middle of a Red Bull, and the rear of a Ferrari.
• The Reality Check: Despite the promise and the fact that regulations remained stable, the project failed spectacularly. Perez described the season as the "worst year in McLaren’s history," a stark contrast to the championship-winning potential he was sold.

Looking Ahead:

The stint at McLaren was short-lived, lasting only a single season before Perez moved to Force India. While the Woking chapter was a disappointment, it eventually paved the way for his redemption at Red Bull, where he finally achieved his goal of fighting for championships—a journey he never thought possible while sitting in that Sauber garage.