Sergio Pérez reveals Aston Martin exit forced by Vettel's arrival

Sergio Pérez has revealed how Sebastian Vettel’s move to Aston Martin forced him to leave the team in 2020, ending his six-year stint with the Silverstone-based outfit. The Mexican driver, now 36, shared his thoughts on the High Performance podcast, reflecting on the abrupt end to his tenure at Racing Point, which later became Aston Martin.

What happened at Racing Point?

Pérez joined Racing Point (then Force India) in 2014 and played a key role in the team’s transition. By 2020, he had a three-year contract with options, expecting to remain part of the project under Lawrence Stroll. However, when four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel became available after Ferrari announced his departure, Aston Martin prioritized signing him alongside Lance Stroll.

'I helped to buy it and so on,' Pérez said. 'I really thought that I was going to be part of that project together with Lawrence and Lance, but then obviously Sebastian came available.' The team exercised their option not to renew Pérez’s contract, opting for Vettel instead.

Why it matters for Sergio Pérez

Pérez admitted the move stung, though he understood the business side of F1. 'There is no loyalty in this sport,' he said. Despite the setback, he maintained a good relationship with the team. His departure led to a surprising opportunity at Red Bull, where he has since won five races alongside Max Verstappen.

'I never thought I’d end up at Red Bull,' Pérez recalled. 'They always had their academy drivers.' His performance in 2020, including a race win, caught Red Bull’s attention, leading to his 2021 signing.

What comes next for Pérez?

Now at Cadillac, Pérez faces a different challenge-competing at the back of the grid with F1’s newest team. However, his experience at Racing Point and Red Bull has shaped his resilience. 'I just focus on what I can do, which is perform on track,' he said.

Pérez’s story highlights the ruthless nature of F1, where even a six-time race winner can be replaced by a bigger name. Yet, his journey also shows how setbacks can lead to unexpected success.