Sergio Perez wants McLaren to fight for Formula 1 title

 

New McLaren signing Sergio Perez says his ambition is to fight for the Formula 1 championship in his debut season.

The Mexican, recruited to replace Mercedes-bound Lewis Hamilton, joins after two seasons with Sauber.

"Hopefully we can have a very strong car and fight for the championship. That has to be the target," Perez said.

Perez, 22, said it would not be easy to replace Hamilton but admitted he would have to be competitive from the start.

Sergio Perez factfile

  • Born: 26 January 1990, Guadalajara, Mexico
  • Grands prix : 32
  • Podiums: 3
  • Points: 80
  • World titles : 0
  • Highest race finish : 2nd

"I don't feel the pressure but obviously you have to deliver here in McLaren," said Perez, who will get his first taste of the 2013 McLaren at the first pre-season test in Jerez, Spain from 5-8 February, ahead of the start of the season in Australia on 17 March.

"You are coming here to deliver results, to win championships. This is the target when you come to McLaren, the best team in F1, you have to really deliver the results."

Perez pledged to "do my very best, give my very best to McLaren".

And he added that he expected no problems working with team-mate Jenson Button.

"I think we will work very well together for the team but obviously the target is to beat him and all the others. But I think myself with Jenson, we are a very good team."

Perez was talking on his first day working for McLaren at the team's base in Woking, Surrey, where he arrived at the wheel of one of the company's open-top sportscars.

He compared his feelings to those of making his F1 debut with Sauber two years ago.

"It's similar in terms of emotion," said Perez, who is 23 later this month. "It's something new for you but this is a lot bigger."