Formula E’s co-founder Alberto Longo has revealed that he’s in constant discussions with Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez, who he wants to see make the switch to the all-electric series when his Formula 1 contract expires.
Pérez is currently contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2024, although it looks unlikely that the Milton Keynes-based outfit will offer him a new deal. Whilst there might be some interest in the Mexican driver from other teams, Longo wants Checo in Formula E.
There are several ex-F1 drivers who are on the grid at this weekend’s season-opening Mexico City E-Prix, including Lucas di Grassi, Jean-Éric Vergne, Stoffel Vandoorne, Sébastian Buemi, Pascal Wehrlein and Nyck de Vries.
With a huge number of drivers in Formula E without a contract for Season 11, another eventful silly season is in store this summer. Pérez would presumably have a number of options if he wanted to switch to Formula E, a series which Longo has told Pérez is his “home”.
If the 33-year-old did decide to quit F1 for Formula E, it’d be a huge signing for the all-electric series in general, given his huge following in Mexico. He would still get to race at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez if he made the move, with that being where this weekend’s season-opener is taking place.
Pérez’s fans would attend the Mexico City E-Prix in their thousands if he were racing in it and could even result in the sport’s biggest ever attendance. In many ways, Formula E would be the perfect series for him to race in after F1, as the championship traditionally concludes in July.
It would give him significantly more time with his family, something which’ll be restricted this year with F1 set to embark on a 24-race calendar. Checo joining Formula E in the future would be a win-win for everyone, except the driver he’d replace.
Only time will tell if Formula E and Perez’s paths will cross, but what’s absolutely clear is that him switching to the series is something Longo is keen on happening, with Formula E’s co-founder believing that it’s time for the F1 driver to move to the “real competition”.
“I constantly talk to Checo and I hope he makes a leap to the real competition,” Longo told AS media whilst laughing, as reported by Fox Sports.
“Formula E is your home, it will have its doors open and it is welcome,” is what Longo has said told Pérez.
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