Sergio Perez joined the Force India back in 2014 after leaving Sauber. Interestingly, the Mexican revealed that he could clearly see the team’s financial problems right from day one when he visited its factory.

Since then, the team folded and it was bought and rebranded as Racing Point. Now in 2021, the squad will undergo another name change, to Aston Martin.

The Mexican became a key figure and team leader for Force India, and even played a big role in Force India’s legal drama.  Apparently, he realised the gravity of the situation and knew that it was a lost cause.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Autosport, Perez said: “It was evident since the time, day one, I came to the team.

“I came from McLaren and I remember the first time I visited the factory at Force India. It was a shock straightaway because I could see the deficits they had on money and so on.”

“But as soon as we hit the track, I could see that there was a lot of potential in the team – everyone was very hungry for success. And [although] the financial troubles were very evident since we walked in, I think the people inside the team are tremendously talented.”

What is Sergio Perez aiming for in 2020?

When the 2020 F1 season finally commences, this will be the 30-year old’s 10th campaign in grand prix racing. During his tenure, he notched up eight podiums. Three of them came during his Sauber stint and another five at Force India/Racing Point.

“I would never have imagined to be that long with the team,” he said. “Because pretty much, up to now, every year was a year renewal – a year-by-year [contract]. “Every year I thought that was going to be my last – that I was going to change team.”

“But then to look back, it’s been incredible that ride we’ve had. We had some ups and downs, but yeah, we’ve been tremendously successful. I think now we get the big opportunity – to be partnering with Aston Martin.”