Perez, 30, had previously insisted he was not leaving, pointing out that he had a contract running until 2022. “It hurts a bit as I bet on the team during very rough times,” Perez said. Perez has been linked with both the Haas and Alfa Romeo teams in recent weeks. Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnaeur praised Perez, who is known as Checo, saying: “Checo’s established his reputation as a tenacious racer and together we have enjoyed some fantastic moments. These are dramatic and fast-moving times at the Racing Point team, and signing Vettel – as they are believed to have done – is a big statement of intent for the future. Only last October, Stroll gave Perez a new contract for another three years with the team. Racing Point’s 2020, meanwhile, has been packed with controversy. But he will believe he can help the team make even more progress over the coming years.

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