Mugello (Italy) (AFP)
Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving his Racing Point team at the end of the season, which could provide a chance for quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel to replace him.
"Everything has a beginning and an end and after seven years together my collaboration with my team will end at the end of the season," Sergio Perez, 30, said on Twitter.
"It hurts a little because I helped the team during very difficult times and I saved the wheel of my team-mates," he added, suggesting that his departure was not voluntary.
"I don't have a plan B," said the Mexican driver, who tested positive for the coronavirus on July 30 and who consequently had to miss two Grand Prix for which he had been replaced by the German Nico Hülkenberg.
"My plan is to keep racing (in F1) but I have to find a project that motivates me and to which I can devote myself completely," he added.
Racing Point, formerly Force India, is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll.
She is currently running, besides Perez, Lance Stroll, Lawrence's son.
Unconfirmed rumors have indicated the possible replacement of Sergio Perez, before he announced his departure, by Sebastian Vettel.
The quadruple German world champion, 33, must leave Ferrari and has not yet made known his intentions for the rest of his career.
Racing Point is set to take the name Aston Martin next year after Lawrence Stroll took a stake in the famous British sports car manufacturer.
The team must keep its Mercedes engines.
Racing Point has been at the forefront this year, notably with a 3rd place for Lance Stroll at the last Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The team was however the target of several protests from rival teams who accused it of having copied certain parts, in particular the brake scoops, on the Mercedes world champion last year.
© 2020 AFP