Sergio Perez Out At Racing Point As Sebastian Vettel Rumors Continue To Swirl

In a Twitter post, Formula 1 star Sergio Perez confirmed he would be leaving Racing Point after the 2020 season.

Perez, 30, joined the team back in 2013 but recently there was rising speculation that Racing Point was looking to make room for Ferrari driver and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel after he announced he would be leaving the Italian powerhouse.

“Everything in life always has a beginning and an end, and after seven years together, my time with the team will come to an end after this season,” Perez confirmed today.

Racing Point's other car is handled by Lance Stroll, the son of co-owner Lawrence Stroll. With an immediate conflict of interest, doubt loomed around Perez from the beginning of the season.

Perez remained with the team in 2018 after Stroll led a team of investors to buy Racing Point. However, Perez had nothing but kind words for his former employer.

"To the current administration, led by Lawrence Stroll, I wish nothing but the best in the future, especially with the upcoming Aston Martin project," Perez said.

In 2021, Racing Point is slated to be rebranded into Aston Martin after Stroll invested 182 million euros ($215 million) for a 16.7% stake in the famed British brand.

Perez, meanwhile, hopes and plans to remain in Formula 1.

“I don’t have a plan B,” he said. “My intention is to continue racing here, but that would depend on finding a project that motivates me to continue giving my 100% in each lap.”

Racing Point Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer failed to specify why Perez was leaving but offered high praise.

“Checo has been part of the Silverstone family for seven years and in that time has become one of the most complete drivers on the grid. Blisteringly quick on Saturday and Sunday, he’s established his reputation as a tenacious racer, and together we have enjoyed some fantastic moments," Szafnauer said.

Szafnauer called Perez is a "true character" and "a good friend."

"It’s been a pleasure working with [Perez] for such a long time," he said. "Although we will say goodbye at the end of the year, there are still nine races to go and plenty of opportunities for Checo to make some more special memories with this team.”

Perez, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, ranks 11th in the driver ranking even after sitting out two races due to testing positive for COVID-19. He looks to finish out a strong year even if unemployment is at the forefront of his mind.

"I hope I can give you some good news real soon, but for now, let’s enjoy together the next races," Perez said.