A shame for Perez, but you can see why McLaren would want to go with Magnussen. I don;t think Perez was expected to be beat Button, but even so the difference between the two is not as big as the points gap suggest IMO. I'd be suprised if he wasn't on the 2014 grid. Has enough money and talent to get a drive somewhere.
Unfortunate for Button, reckon Kevin is going to overwhelm him next year. McLaren didn't want to lose him so that speaks volumes of his talent.
Perez hasn't had a great season, but he's had some good moments as well. I think he's done a better job than Kovalainen did at McLaren. He's ahead of Button in the qualifying battle, and with a little more consistency would be a lot closer to Button in the WDC. Even then he has 58% of Button's points, which compared to other teams: Webber has 48% of Vettel's points Massa has 49% of Alonso's points Grosjean has 62% of Raikkonen's points Magnussen must be amazing in the McLaren simulator - why else would they ditch Perez? As for his future: Lotus: Hulk and Maldonado are fighting for the Lotus seat, Perez doesn't have a chance unless Slim is willing to outbid PDVSA. Even then it might be too late to begin talks. Force India: Sutil said he signed a contract with a team (presumably FI). I suspect the second FI seat would go to the loser of the Lotus fight, but Perez might have a chance. Sauber: I could see this happening. Slim is already a sponsor, is closer to Perez than Gutierrez, and they still have two seats available.
I seem to remember that being said before on several occasions! I suppose eventually it might happen?
I'm sure somebody on this site said it was 9-8 to Perez. But then qualifying is Button's weakest point.
It's 9-8 to Jenson. You could argue though that since Perez has pulled it back from 4-0 and 9-6 to 9-8 that momentum is with him in qualy. I think it's important for Jenson to reassert himself this weekend after this announcement. I do disagree with the argument that Perez deserves to be closer though. Button lost a 4th in Malaysia, then Perez has caught up a lot in recent races whilst JB has been getting his front wing knocked off every race (innocent in all but abu dhabi). Perez could very easily only have a third of Jenson's points. In races he is consistently behind.
Bad decision from McLaren, after the dog of the car that they produced I think it's a bit harsh to sack one of their drivers. I also think they are putting a lot of pressure of Magnussen I reckon he would of been better off starting in a midfield team, either way I think McLaren will still be missing driver who can actually push Button and make him always up his performance.
They've only got two seats if Sirotkin can't get a superlicense. If Slim is prepared to buy Sauber out of their agreement, and match the sponsorship they'd bring, with the idea of a "Team Mexico", then it's a possibility, but otherwise it'd become Perez vs Gutierrez. The team have data on both of them, so they'd be able to make an informed decision, but you'd expect Perez' extra experience to win out as Sirotkin is very much a rookie. Whether Perez has enough experience is another question, depending on the money the Russians bring in, it wouldn't surprise me if one of the Force India drivers moves there.
I thought that deal had fallen: http://www.blick.ch/sport/formel1/fliessen-jetzt-millionen-aus-dubai-nach-hinwil-id2499466.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula-one/24935646 Yep Might of seen Manny back if the doddery old bugger had come back for the last two races
http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/201...ed-as-McLaren-Formula-1-race-driver-for-2014/ Magnussen confirmed at McLaren.
McLaren have just confirmed on Twitter that Magnussen will partner Button in 2014. Looking forward to seeing what he can do, hope they build a decent car.
The way Caterham have worded their press release about Kovi to Lotus it seems they are planning to give him a drive next season. They talk about him like he's returning to them next season.
