McLaren aren’t in any rush to confirm whether Sergio Perez will be retained for 2014 but team principal Martin Whitmarsh backed the Mexican following a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old signed a multi-year deal with McLaren at the beginning of the current season, but those subsequent years are linked to his performance.
McLaren have the option of replacing him should they wish and Whitmarsh believes it’s too early to make such a decision.
“There is no hurry,” he explained on Friday. “I had said all along that [we should] let a few races go by, and then let’s have a chat. And that is exactly what we are going to do.
“There is no tearing rush at the moment to do this. I know it becomes a story and lots more spurious stories stem from it, but there is no hurry for it.”
Perez has come in for much criticism this year and the Japanese GP was no different following a crash on Friday and during the race.
The McLaren boss though defended his young driver, claiming he has “raced very well” recently.
“A lot of people had problems – it is that sort of circuit,” he added. “It is one of those things that happens. It is not great, but it was OK.
“I think Checo was racing well. Where we were, he should have able to get seventh or eighth. Considering where we are at the moment, I think the last two or three races he has raced very well indeed.”
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