Perez unconcerned by Stroll’s links to Racing Point owners

Sergio Perez is unconcerned by 2019 Formula 1 teammate Lance Stroll’s links to the recently-rebranded Racing Point team's owners, saying the takeover was “in the interests of everyone.”

The team formerly known as Force India saw months of uncertainty end in August after exiting administration following a takeover by a consortium led by Williams F1 driver Lance Stroll’s father, Lawrence.

Stroll Jr. was confirmed to be joining the team – rebranded fully as Racing Point on the entry list – for 2019 at the end of November, moving from Williams.

Perez said that while he did not know Stroll that well, he had been impressed with his on-track displays through his first two seasons in F1.

“I don’t know him much as a driver. In Formula 1, it’s so difficult to prepare, to know a driver from another team,” Perez said.

“95 percent of your results is done by the car. He’s certainly had a poor season down to his car. I think Williams had a lot of trouble.

“But the kid definitely has talent. He’s been on the podium, when it’s wet, he’s always up there, and I think he’s coming to a great team with one of the best engineers in the world.

“I think he will be in great hands to deliver his full potential.”

The takeover by the consortium led by Stroll Sr. is set to give Racing Point a significant financial boost, with Perez expressing his optimism about plans for the team’s future.

“I’m extremely excited. I’ve been chatting with the whole team, from mechanics to engineers to catering, everyone is really excited, really looking forward,” Perez said.

“Lawrence is very enthusiastic about this project, he knows that it’s a long-term project, and I think we have great direction with our team bosses. Everything should be in place just to expand.

“But also we have to be aware that it takes time. You’ve seen it with other teams, you know how long it takes them. But I think if there’s a team that can go to the next step, it is Force India.”

Asked if he felt any concerns racing alongside a driver whose father owned the team, Perez said: “I don’t think so. It’s in the interests of everyone, including the team owners that this team is a successful team.

“The investment that they’ve done, it’s successful, so for that we need both cars as strong as possible. We both have to work very hard, we both have to work together to bring the team as forward as possible.

“It’s in the interests of everyone. We are a team now and we just have to work like that."