I took action against Force India to save jobs, says Perez

MEXICAN Formula One driver Sergio Perez said yesterday he sent the Force India team he drives for into administration to save the jobs of 400 colleagues.

Perez said he was brokenhearted at having to make the claim for money owed, which put the British-based team in administration, but he insists it was not for personal gain.

Perez told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he had endured a month of emotional and mental hell and his racing had suffered because of the team’s precarious financial situation.

Force India, co-owned by embattled Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and fifth in the championship, were placed into administration by the London High Court on Friday.

“I love Vijay. My heart is really broken because I know this is not ideal in the short term for him, but the big picture is really different,” said the Mexican.

“The bottom line of this is that we do this or the team would have gone bust. That’s what I get from the lawyers and members of the team.”

Going into administration effectively removes the immediate threat of closure and also overcomes the obstacle of shareholder resistance to a sale.

Perez’s claim for money owed – some €4m (RM19m), mostly from last season –was supported by engine provider Mercedes and team sponsor BWT which says it is also owed significant sums.

With up to five interested parties, a sale appears imminent, and the August break after Sunday’s grand prix gives the team breathing space to sort out its future before going racing again. – Reuters