Perez: Signing for McLaren "damaged my reputation in Formula 1"

Sergio Perez revealed discussions took place over a potential signing for Ferrari in 2014. The Mexican was once part of the Ferrari academy but signed for McLaren in 2013 following Lewis Hamilton's departure.

Perez confirmed he had discussions with Stefano Domenciali, the then Ferrari boss, about taking up the seat in 2014. The talks took place in 2012 while Perez was in the academy.

In the end, Perez opted to join McLaren for the 2013 season. He spoke about the details on Formula 1's official website.

“I think probably given how McLaren was at that time that ride came just at the wrong moment for me. Because if you go back to 2012 I was a Ferrari member, I was going to get a contract for 2014, I had to say one more year with Sauber and then get the rise with Ferrari," Perez said.

“I went to Maranello, and discussed with Domenicali, he told me ‘let’s do a pre-contract for 2014. At that time Mercedes was interested, Ferrari was and McLaren so I was in a really strong position back then. And I thought to myself ‘I need to get into a competitive car because I can win the title’."

Perez struggled at McLaren and was dropped after just one season. With the form McLaren was in at the time, many tipped him for a title win. The now Racing Point driver admits he made a mistake.

“I had to say basically goodbye to the Ferrari academy and I went to McLaren. I think the mistake there was to sign a one-year deal. My management at the time didn’t do a solid job with the contract. That was a sad thing, I think that has damaged my reputation in Formula 1," he added.