Perez: I’d rather retire first before taking sabbatical
Sergio Perez is not comfortable with the idea of taking a sabbatical from Formula 1 as that could spell the end of his career.
Perez is having to assess his options for 2021 after being dropped by Racing Point in favour of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who became available on the market once Ferrari decided not to renew his deal at the team.
The likes of Alfa Romeo and Haas could offer Perez the chance to prolong his Formula 1 career, something that he is eager to do.
However, he will not be taking a year-long sabbatical to see what options are available to him then because he sees that as a risk. A year is a long time in Formula 1 and Perez doesn’t want to become a forgotten man.
“I think once you go out, you might never come back so if I take a sabbatical I would rather retire first than take the sabbatical,” said Perez, as quoted by GPFans.
“I think everything is an option right now. My main target is to remain in F1. I feel that I am still very young and hungry.
“I want to carry on in Formula 1 but it has to be the right package, a package that gives me the maximum motivation to give 100% every single lap.”
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Also weighing on Perez’s mind is the new regulations in 2022 which will hopefully create more competitive racing and bring the field closer together.
Perez would like to play a part in that new era as he feels it will bring more opportunity to feature on podiums and perhaps even race wins.
“I think it is also going to be a long-term project targeting 2022 because I expect the rule changes to play a major effect,” added Perez.
“That’s the main reason I want to continue to 2022 is that I feel there would be plenty of opportunities. 2021 can be a difficult year in that regard, but you never know.
“There are certainly options out there and I don’t expect to make a decision any time soon.
“I will take the time that I require and if I don’t find anything attractive in F1, I will think about other series, other things. We will see.”
Other series could include IndyCar, with McLaren already interested in securing Perez’s services for the Stateside series.
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