Sergio Perez Reveals He Had a Mercedes Option Before McLaren Move

Sergio Perez has revealed he was on the verge of joining Mercedes in 2013, a move that would have dramatically altered the trajectory of his F1 career. As a rising star after impressing with Sauber, Perez was a highly sought-after commodity, attracting interest from top teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and the Brackley-based outfit. His eventual move to McLaren was directly linked to Lewis Hamilton's decision to leave for Mercedes, opening up a complex web of driver market possibilities that nearly saw Perez land the seat Hamilton was vacating.

Why it matters:

This revelation sheds light on the intricate "what if" scenarios that define Formula 1's driver market, where a single decision can create a domino effect shaping the careers of multiple drivers. It provides fascinating context for Perez's long journey to becoming a multiple-time race winner and a key figure at Red Bull, a path that was far from guaranteed and could have been completely different.

The details:

• Perez described himself as the "most wanted driver on the grid" after his strong 2012 season with Sauber, which included three podium finishes, putting him in high demand.
• Ferrari's Path: His initial career path was tied to Ferrari's Driver Academy, but they could only offer him a race seat for 2014. Perez, young and "desperate" for a top-tier opportunity, found the timeline unacceptable.
• The Hamilton Domino Effect: McLaren only approached Perez after Hamilton decided to leave for Mercedes. Perez stated, "if Hamilton didn’t go to Mercedes I also had the Mercedes option," revealing he was the backup plan for both teams.
• An Unlikely Destination: Perez admitted he never imagined driving for McLaren or Red Bull, believing both teams exclusively promoted their own junior drivers through their academies.

The big picture:

This look back highlights the unpredictable and often circuitous nature of an F1 driver's career. Perez's journey from a promising youngster with uncertain options to a four-time race winner and a key member of a championship-winning team is a testament to his perseverance and ability to capitalize on opportunities. While his stint at McLaren was ultimately disappointing and short-lived, the series of events that put him there eventually led him to Force India/Racing Point, and finally to his breakthrough opportunity at Red Bull, proving that in F1, timing is everything.