Perez: My fate shows that F1 doesn't have the best drivers
Sergio Perez says the risk of him being left without a seat in 2021 shows that Formula 1 does not necessarily have the 'best' drivers in the world.
The Mexican claimed his maiden F1 victory for Racing Point with a stunning charge from the back of the field in the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday.
But despite his success, which has left his team on the verge of securing third place in the constructors' championship, Perez is in danger of being out of F1 next year.
He is being replaced at the soon-to-be-renamed Aston Martin team by Sebastian Vettel for next year, and his only hope of a seat now rests with Red Bull, which is reluctant to give up on Alex Albon.
Perez is clear that his fate is now out of his hands, but says that his recent strong run of form has left him more determined than ever not to give up on an F1 future.
He has reiterated that he has some options for 2022, but also thinks it is a sad state of affairs for F1 that someone like him cannot find a good seat.
"I already have some good options for 2022 so my best option is obviously to keep going on next year," he said. "But if I have to stop, then it's not a disaster, I can come back in 2022.
"The regulations are going to change so much that, in a way, I don't think it will hurt that much the driving side, to get up to speed.
"I'm at peace with myself, you know. I think Esteban [Ocon has] mentioned that drivers like him missing out on seats, it's just the way Formula 1 is.
"It can be really tough and not the best drivers are in Formula 1 unfortunately. So we keep pushing and we keep delivering and I think that's the best way to do it."
Ocon, who himself had to take a year out of F1 before coming back with Renault this season, thinks the situation in the sport is not normal if drivers like Perez cannot secure seats.
"He's one of the top guys out there and he can't be left outside," said the Frenchman, who finished behind Perez on Sunday. "It would not be normal. But sometimes the sport is like that, unfortunately, and you don't end up in the best situations.
"On my side obviously it's been a tough year but I was in good hands. I had a lot of people believing in me and supporting me, which has helped me to come back after a year out – and here we are. It is not easy to get going but after a bit of running, you get there."
Related video
Previous article
Hamilton "on the right track" for F1 return, says Wolff
Next article
Tsunoda joins AlphaTauri for post-Abu Dhabi GP test
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Sakhir GP |
| Drivers | Sergio Perez |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?
The big questions of F1 2021 - Karun Chandhok
After an unprecedented season last year, there are plenty of questions and storylines for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign. Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok gives his verdict.
How McLaren F1’s new investors have already made an impact
The deal McLaren concluded with MSP Sports Capital last year which will help the cash-strapped Formula 1 team pay for much-needed infrastructure upgrades, also points toward the future for F1 itself, says GP Racing's Stuart Codling.
