Talking Point: McLaren's New Boy Has High 2013 Campaign Aspirations

Even the speculation of Lewis Hamilton leaving McLaren for another team for his and the team's fans was a somewhat unsettling thought in itself, never mind the confirmation.

In the wake of Hamilton's departure post Singapore retirement from a comfort lead, the announcement was made that Eddie Jordan predicting his move to Mercedes was made. Of course this was always going to bring a massive split in opinion for anyone involved in Formula 1, and even more interesting for those involved in McLaren. Sir Jackie Stewart recently claimed the move as 'risky'.

Many Didn't Want To Believe Eddie Jordan's Feature On The BBC Breaking The News First Of Lewis' Departure

Several months later, here we are, with Hamilton not due to a rocket red winning t-shirt any time soon, and instead it is the young Sergio Perez of Mexico looking not only to wear these t-shirts a good handful of times this season, but believes in his first season in a top of the grid team he could win the championship. Prior 2013, Sergio finished 2nd to Pastor Maldonado in the 2010 GP2 Series, before graduating to Formula One in 2011 to the Sauber team. He battled out Rookie of the Year with Paul di Resta, with an impressive 7th place finish in his debut Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia. In 2012 he upped his game with an improved Sauber car, with three widely impressive podium finishes in Malaysia, Canada & Italy, including two 2nd places - 2nd only to Alonso and Hamilton at that, who themselves pulled out spectacular drives in what were superb races to watch, and re-watch. If he hadn't run wide in Malaysia, he'd likely have picked up Sauber's first win since their debut in 1993.

Hamilton Sprays Champagne With Perez After Their 1-2 Italian Grand Prix Result
McLaren Teammates 2015?

Now he's wearing a Vodafone red cap, with the teammate of Jenson Button, now the most experienced man on the grid ahead of Mark Webber, with the departure of Michael Schumacher and Pedro de la Rosa. Perez stated at his first appearance in front of the press as McLaren Technology Centre, 'I have got a lot to learn from him, his experience, his knowledge, will all be useful for me. I am so much looking forward to working with a champion, a great guy'. McLaren Team Principal has also stated that both Perez and Button will have 'equal treatment', and that after the successes of taking on young talent such as Lewis Hamilton and Mika Hakkinen and turning them into champions, there of course the possibility to repeat success with Perez.

Perez At His First Address To The Press In McLaren Colours

Of course he's right to aim high and for the ultimate goal, particularly now he's in a team and car that have a wealth of success in their long history; but can he challenge for the title on 2013? Challenge - perhaps. Win? No. As much as it would be phenomenal to see on so many levels, realistically it's too much for ask. 2013 should be and is likely to be a year for Sergio to find consistency, challenge at the top end on a regular basis and take a couple of wins. 

Regardless, good luck to him, it's the first time since 2010 we've had a new driver in the top three teams amazingly, so I believe a lot of eyes, including mine and yours to be on him this season. Fingers crossed he thrills us.

Nick, F1 Hub

58 Days Till 2013 Sunday Race Time - Melbourne, Australia.

5 Red Lights - GO GO GO