Racing Point has once again defended Lance Stroll’s place at the team after confirming Sergio Perez’s departure last week.
After seven years of ups and downs at what was Force India and is now Racing Point, the Mexican was informed last Wednesday he’d be making way for Sebastian Vettel to arrive at what will be known as Aston Martin from 2021.
And while it can’t be denied that Stroll has improved this season, for many the decision to drop Perez is purely about family as Lance is, of course, the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
That wasn’t denied as CEO Otmar Szafnauer admitted there were ways out of Sergio’s contract simply don’t exist in the Canadian’s, but at the same time, he maintains the 21-year-old is worthy of partnering the four-time world champion.
“Lance is still young and only in his second season with this team,” he said. “He’s in the ascendancy and enjoying his strongest year in the sport so far.
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“Prior to his unfortunate accident on Sunday at Mugello, he was sitting fourth in the championship off the back of a podium [at the Italian Grand Prix], and there is more potential to come.
“He’s clearly demonstrating his talent and is fully deserving of his place alongside Sebastian next year.”
However, you don’t have to look far to find someone who feels the wrong driver is leaving the Silverstone-based outfit to make way for Vettel.
“Checo’s departure shows that in F1 not everything is about performance,” McLaren’s Carlos Sainz told Marca.
“If we judge by performance alone, there is no reason why Checo should leave Racing Point, but in F1 there are other interests.
“He has saved the team from bankruptcy and they now don’t want to continue with him just when he is finally given a car to fight with.
“It makes me angry because I have a good relationship with him and I respect him as a driver.
“This reminds you that this sport is like that, but we have chosen it and you have to accept it.
“I hope that Checo finds a seat that motivates him.”
Commenting on his departure though, Perez admits he’ll find few options better than that he’s leaving behind.
“I know I’m leaving a great car that is looking great for next year,” he said. “Definitely the team will be stronger next year than this year.
“In that regard, it hurts a bit more that you know you’re leaving a good car, but you never know in the future, things in Formula 1 change so quickly.
“Let’s see what the future holds for the world, for both of us.”