McLaren have paid tribute to Pedro de la Rosa after the Spaniard has once again called time on his duties with the Woking outfit, to instead return to racing with HRT.
The 40-year-old will race for the Spanish outfit next season and the one following that after agreeing a deal.
McLaren team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, thanked De la Rosa for his ‘valuable contribution’ to the team since he joined in 2003.
“Pedro’s contribution to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has been fantastically valuable – perhaps even more valuable than may be apparent to outsiders in fact – ever since he joined us in 2003,” said Whitmarsh in a statement.
“As a test driver, he’s been extraordinarily hard-working – on track and, latterly, more often, in our simulator – and his feedback has been reliable and expert. But his contributions have gone wider and deeper than that: Pedro is the archetypal team player, a big motivational presence in our team, and, perhaps because of that, he’s someone whom I personally will always count as a true friend.
“In 2010 and 2011 he drove some races for the Sauber team – and, although he’s always approached his test and development work with McLaren with energy and enthusiasm, he remains a racer at heart. For that reason, we understand and support his decision to join HRT as a race driver, and we wish him well. It goes without saying, however, that he’ll be missed.”
De la Rosa also thanked McLaren for their part in his career and says Woking will always be his second home.
“After more than a decade in Formula 1, I’ll always think of Woking as a second home. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank sincerely everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for helping me develop into a much more complete driver, and person, than I was when I first joined the team back in 2003.
“Of course, the happiest McLaren moment for me personally was finishing second in Hungary in 2006, but I’m just as proud of helping Lewis [Hamilton] and the team to the 2008 drivers’ world championship – a genuine team effort – and helping to develop a fantastic series of cars that won grands prix throughout my entire time with the team.
“Finally, I want to thank Martin [Whitmarsh] for giving me the opportunity to follow my heart. He’s not only been one of my strongest supporters throughout my career, but also a very good friend to me and my family.
“I regard Vodafone McLaren Mercedes as the best and most professional team in Formula 1 and, while I’m proud to be taking on a new challenge in my life and career, there will always be a special place in my heart for my friends, the hard-working men and women of Woking, for whom I have a huge amount of respect and admiration.”
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