“Checo has made many friends during his time at McLaren, and together as a
team we intend to do our utmost to help him finish his year with us with two
good results, especially here in Austin, where he has so many fans.
“We wish him well for the future, and are sure that he will have many
successes ahead of him.
“As regards our driver line-up for next year, no 2014 deal has yet been signed
with any driver except Jenson, and we therefore have nothing further to
announce at this time.
“As and when that situation progresses, we will make a further announcement
accordingly.”
Pérez’s replacement, however, will be 21-year-old Dane Magnussen, the son of
former F1 driver Jan, because although talks are ongoing, they are expected
to be completed very soon.
McLaren are to promote Magnussen, winner of this year’s Formula Renault 3.5
Series, rather than retain Pérez, following extensive analysis of
performances.
Although McLaren produced one of their worst cars for many years this season,
one that is set to complete the campaign without a podium for the first time
since 1980, Pérez has only scored 35 points to Button’s 60.
The 23-year-old has also been out-qualified nine times to eight by the Briton,
a slender margin perhaps, albeit with Button renowned in Formula One for not
being one of the quickest over a flying lap.
McLaren had hoped Pérez would prove a reliable replacement for Lewis Hamilton,
quickly moving to sign him last year following the latter’s departure to
Mercedes.
Pérez, however, has failed to show the promise suggested during his time with
Sauber last season during which he notably scored three podiums, including
runner-up in Malaysia and Italy.
Although Pérez was fifth in India at the end of last month, matching McLaren’s
highest finish this year achieved by Button in China, the team have been
underwhelmed by what they have seen.
In particular, time in the simulator of late has shown Magnussen to be quicker
than Pérez, and that has played a part in their thinking.
It means for the first time since Hamilton in 2007, McLaren are to promote an
unproven driver into the big time.