Sergio Perez: Nico Rosberg "fastest German"

Sergio Perez (L) of Mexico and Sauber F1 and Nico Rosberg (R) of Germany and Mercedes GP drive side by side during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 25, 2011 in Singapore.

McLaren’s new recruit Sergio Perez has become quite outspoken since joining the team. A few days ago, he was involved in a war of words with Paul di Resta regarding how money played a significant role in him being recruited by McLaren.

Now, Perez has made a damning statement by saying that Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg is the “fastest German” on the grid currently, which is invariably a dig towards reigning triple world champion Sebastian Vettel.

“In terms of pure speed, Nico Rosberg is the fastest German, but Sebastian is the more complete driver and a great champion.”

Sebastian Vettel, F1 World Champion in 2010, 2011 and 2012 speaks to factory workers at the Red Bull Racing Factory on November 27, 2012 in Milton Keynes, England.

We can take these comments as pure mind games with the start of the season just two months away. Now with far better machinery at his disposal, Perez’s confidence seems to be sky high and he is determined to take the challenge to Vettel and deny him a consecutive fourth world title come the end of the year.

“I am 100 per cent sure that the McLaren will be better than my Sauber, which is why I need to set high goals. They have the money, they have the people.”