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Perez has no regrets over rejecting Renault

Published on 20 Aug 2018 13:53
3
By: Fergal Walsh

Sergio Perez says that he has no regrets over rejecting Renault when the French squad approached him. The Mexican was heavily linked to a Renault move for the 2017 season, before he opted to stay with Force India while Renault took on Nico Hulkenberg.

Perez joined Force India in 2014 after a sticky season the year before with McLaren. Perez's future beyond 2018 was uncertain as Force India faced serious financial issues, however that has since passed after a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll pulled the team out of administration.

Perez is expected to stay on with Force India next year, despite rumours that link him to a Haas seat. Speaking about rejecting Renault, the 28-year-old believes he did the right thing by deciding to stay with Force India.

"When you have no chance at Ferrari or Mercedes, I think Force India is a very interesting option," he told Fox. "I do not regret not signing with Renault, because in the last two years I was best of the rest. As a team we were in front of Renault in the constructors' championship."

Perez then confirmed that contract is in place and it should soon be finalised: "It's a matter of days or weeks. The contract is there, it's just the position of the team that must be clarified. The team is coming from a complex situation, but fortunately the 400 workers are all safe with a good investment that guarantees stability."

Perez has had a mixed season this year, scoring points on five occasions so far in the 2018 season. His best result came as a surprise podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was his first since claiming third place at the Baku circuit two years ago.

Fergal Walsh

F1 News Sergio Perez Lance Stroll Mercedes McLaren Force India Ferrari Renault

Replies (3)

talktohenry

Posts: 362
Big mistake as Renault are a manufacturer, really trying and with half decent budgets, and FA is now owned by a group of investors who will not want to put much cash into the team after the initial honeymoon phase is over. And as big as their pockets are, they still won't want to blow it on F1 and will start fighting among themselves once the reality of paying the bills hits home. The Billionaire coming into F1 and leaving as Millionaire keeps rolling back into the sport, they never learn, until their pockets have been well emptied.
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- Aug 20 2018 - 15:39
calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I personally think he might've done the right call, but who knows? One shouldnt underestimate the power of a works team.
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- Aug 20 2018 - 17:08
Alonzo

Posts: 66
I also think it was mistake, because I think he didn't take it because he was hoping & holding out for that second Ferrari seat, that was never going to happen, I didn't think, so Renault was probably his one shot at a works team and a competitive car... We'll see what becomes of Force Canada with new ownership and the Strolls running the team....
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- Aug 20 2018 - 17:59