Kamui Kobayashi will be back in Formula 1 next year, insists former team-mate Sergio Pérez.
The Japanese driver failed to secure a seat for the 2013 season despite raising almost £7 million in funds, with Sauber opting to hire Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez.
With just two open seats remaining – one at Force India and another at Caterham – Kobayashi confirmed he wasn’t in the running for either and would therefore not compete this season.
Pérez admitted he was sympathetic for Kobayashi, whom he described as a “great driver”, and is sure he’ll be back in Formula 1 in 2014.
“Kamui is a great driver, a great guy, and somebody than can do a great job,” he told reporters including The F1 Times.
“So think in a way I feel sorry for him, but I’m sure he’ll be back next year.
“I am sure with his speed he can find a good seat and hopefully we can have him back.”
