F1: Perez Plays Down Ferrari, McLaren Rumors

Formula 1

F1: Perez Plays Down Ferrari, McLaren Rumors

Sergio Perez isn't too worked up about the rumors that have him joining Ferrari or McLaren for next season...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted September 20, 2012 Marina Bay (SGP)

Sergio Perez is a hot commodity in the F1 paddock. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Sergio Perez has played down suggestions that he might end up at Ferrari or McLaren next year.

The Ferrari Driver Academy member says that it’s inevitable that his name comes up after a good result.

“In the position that I am, when I'm fighting for points and sometimes I'm able to get some good points, it's always the time when the rumors start,” said Perez.

“But then you have another race and there are no more rumors and they are chasing the driver who has a good race. In that respect, I'm not really worried. I know that I have a very strong car for the next seven races, so I hope I can deliver very strong performances.

“Regarding the McLaren rumor, as I said, there are so many rumors around. Before, it was Ferrari, and now it's McLaren. Always, when I have a good race, they put me in a different team. The most important thing is to keep doing a good job and try to maximize the car potential for the next races.”

Asked whether he’d had approaches from top teams, Perez said: “No.”

Pressed on Luca di Montezemolo’s insistence that the Mexican wasn’t ready for Ferrari, he said: “In respect of what Montezemolo said about experience, I fully respect his opinion. Probably, he means, to become a Ferrari driver, you probably need more. ... I don't know, because it's only my second year in Formula One. I feel ready to do a good job, to be in a top team, to be able to fight for the title, for the championship, so in that respect I feel ready, but I fully respect his opinion.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.