McLaren CEO Zak Brown says Sergio Perez would be of interest to its IndyCar outfit if the Mexican doesn’t land a 2021 seat in Formula 1.
Earlier this week Perez announced that he would be leaving Racing Point at the end of the 2020 season.
Only Ferrari customer teams Alfa Romeo and Haas are realistic destinations for the eight-time podium finisher.
However, should he fail to reach a deal to remain in F1, the Mexican will be forced to look elsewhere for a racing seat, with IndyCar being tipped as a potential destination.
McLaren currently runs two full-time cars in the North-American series for Perez’s compatriot Patricio O’Ward and Florida-born Oliver Askew.
Perez’s career is supported by benefactor Carlos Slim, with Brown affirming that funding would be needed in order to finalise a deal.
“If he had an interest in IndyCar, I think he’s a great race car driver, we’d definitely be interested in talking to him,” Brown said.
“We would need the funding for three cars and at this point we only have the funding for two cars, so we wouldn’t be in a position to sign him today.
“But it would be something, between the backing he’s historically had, the commercial activities we’ve got going and the excitement someone like Sergio would create, we would certainly look to see if we could put it together.”
After Perez confirmed that he will be leaving Racing Point, news soon followed that Sebastian Vettel had been signed to replace him.
Brown has opposed Perez’s axe, stating Racing Point has got rid of its stronger driver, as the Silverstone-based team is set to stick with Lance Stroll in the second seat.
“I think it’s unfortunate that he lost his seat because out of the two drivers, he’s the higher performing driver,” Brown said.
“But as we know, his father doesn’t own the racing team, so when they wanted to bring in Vettel, it was clear that Perez was going to be the guy to go.
“I think he’ll probably end up in Formula 1, that’s my guess, at either Haas or Alfa Romeo.”
