Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s new boss, Marcin Budkowksi, and CEO Dan Towriss, have firmly rebuffed any notion of Sergio Perez leaving, amid rumours of a potential switch to rivals Williams.
The American squad shocked the sport on Wednesday after announcing that former Alpine Executive Director Budkowski would immediately replace Graeme Lowdon at the helm.
Budkowski, also a seasoned aerodynamicist, has been tasked with taking the Silverstone-based team to the next level, as it continues to navigate its inevitable teething problems in what is the halfway point of its debut season.
The Pole is yet to even visit the team’s HQ but is keen to hit the ground running, and was quick to issue his hope of keeping the Mexican, whose superb performances have drawn speculation of a move elsewhere.
“Look, again, it’s a tricky one before I start, but Checo’s been an asset to the team,” he told select media, including Motorsport Week. “And so have both drivers, to be honest, because there’s been a lot of talk about taking two very experienced drivers.
“But I think it’s crucial in a young team like this to provide that experience and that stability. If you have driver learning and the whole team learning at the same time, that’s too many variables, so I think it’s important to have a driver like Checo on board.”
Budkowski acknowledged that prior talks with Towriss has given him the confidence in not only Perez’s current level of driving, but also his motivational skills behind the scenes with the team.
“From what I know, because of the conversations I’ve had with Dan, but also with other people from the team, he’s not only been driving exceptionally well, but he’s been pushing the team very, very hard in the background.
“That’s to be expected from a driver like him, who’s been at Red Bull for years and with the best. I think that’s the kind of mindset that we want, and that’s also the kind of mindset that I will bring.
“I’m sure we’ll be aligned completely on the mindset and on the drive. Apart from that, I can’t answer this question today until there’s more questions for Dan, who’s been involved in it, and for myself at this stage.”
Towriss ‘not distracted’ by Sergio Perez Williams rumours
Towriss is obviously aiming high when it comes to the Cadillac project, and he was bullish in his belief that Perez will remain part of the team.
“Checo’s been a tremendous asset to the team,” he said. “He’s driven very well and certainly has pushed quite hard.
“I’m very confident that Checo is going to remain with Cadillac, and we’re not distracted by the Williams rumours for a second.
“We’re very confident in the relationship here and that you’re going to see him piloting the Cadillac F1 car.”
READ MORE – New Cadillac F1 boss identifies where ‘very urgent’ improvement is needed
Discussion about this post