Racing Point’s desire to sign Sebastian Vettel for 2021 has led Sergio Perez to explore other options on the Formula 1 grid, it has been reported.
After German media revealed yesterday that the soon-to-be Aston Martin had approached Vettel about driving for the team next season, ESPN Mexico has revealed that Perez has been aware of the negotiations for several weeks.
And while Perez is under contract until the start of 2022, his deal contains an exit-clause that can be activated by the Silverstone outfit before July 31 this year.
As a result, agent Julian Jacobi has been working on finding the Mexican a seat at a new team for 2021, with Haas and Alfa Romeo suggested as the most likely options.
An eight-time podium finisher, Perez has been highly-valued for both the on-track performance and sponsorship money he brings to Racing Point, but is the natural candidate to make way for Vettel considering teammate Lance Stroll’s father Lawrence owns the team.
Additionally, Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer has “been friends for a long time” with Vettel, although he moved last Friday to play down speculation of the German joining his team.
“It’s flattering that everyone thinks a four-time world champion should come to our team, maybe that’s because the car’s a bit quicker now,” he said at the time. “We have long contracts with both of our drivers so it would only be logical that we don’t have space.”
Ostensibly, what is going-on behind-the-scenes at Racing Point is different to what is being said in the press if Perez feels the need to explore his options elsewhere.