Is Anybody Out There?
By Amy Lendan
Chapter 1.
"You can't just replace one of the greatest current drivers, with a rookie." Jenson told Martin.
"He's got great promise. He could bring a lot to the team. He has been on podium 3 times since the start of his Formula1 career." Martin said, folding his hands together.
"That doesn't mean anything. You can't just give a kid a good car and expect great results. He's careless, and drives like a maniac." Jenson exclaimed, almost wanting to show him videos of some previous races.
"That's your point of view, Jenson. End of discussion." Martin got up, and left the office at McLaren's headquarters.
It was the end of the Formula1 2012 season, and it had been announced that Sergio Perez was to replace Lewis Hamilton at McLaren-Mercedes.
Hamilton, having always been good friends with Perez, was excited to have him taking his place.
Jenson on the other hand, was not thrilled to get such a young team mate.
Sergio Perez had only been in the Formula1 world for 2 years, both of which, he raced with Sauber.
Now, Jenson was worried about how the team would do in the 2013 Championship. Martin Whitmarsh was not concerned with Perez as a driver, so he often just shrugged off Jenson's nasty comments on the young boy.
Perez was currently preparing to join the McLaren team, and was getting ready to face all the media/press, knowing they'd have tons of questions.
Perez had never had much contact with Jenson, but assumed he would be very welcoming and kind. Hamilton had always talked good about him, so he wasn't very nervous about getting along with the Brit.
"Sergio.. The car is waiting outside to take you to the McLaren headquarters." His assistant told him.
Perez nodded, and quickly made his way outside, and into the black SUV. They were currently in the UK, and the streets were busy with people, rushing around to get to work, or pick their kids up from school.
Upon arriving at McLaren, Perez was greeted by Martin, and Jenson. Jenson looked Perez over.
"Hi." Perez said, politely, shaking Martin's hand. He knew how big of a deal Whitmarsh was, and was hoping to impress him.
"Welcome to McLaren, Sergio. We are very delighted to have you on the team with us, for the 2013 season, and hopefully more after that." Martin said, warmly.
"It's an honour to be here, Sir." Perez said, grinning.
"Well.. I guess I should leave you and Jenson to discuss your teamwork and plans... In about an hour, we're going to have lunch with the rest of the McLaren crew, to celebrate you being a part of our family." Martin told them, then he went back inside the building.
Jenson led Perez to the back of the building. There was a large garden, with a gigantic white, marble fountain in the center, dispensing a good ammount of water.
They sat on a bench, and were both silent for a few moments, before Jenson decided to break the silence. "Okay, lets get something straight. I'm not your friend, I'm not here to play nice, or get along. I'm here to get points for the team, and win." He said, staring Perez in the eyes.
Perez inched back a bit, nodding. "I understand your commitment.." He murmured. "I'm not trying to replace Lewis." He added.
"You may not be trying, but in reality, that's exactly what's going on. You are indeed Lewis's replacement. And, if you ask me.. I don't think you're worthy of replacing someone with that level of talent."
Perez took a moment to accept what Jenson had just said. He was hurt, but he knew Formula1 was indeed not known for "Making friends", even if he himself had made quite a few, he knew Button didn't like to play that way.
"I'll try my best.. You know I thrive for this.. Getting points and winning are very important to me, too.. I know I'm young.. But I am experienced." Perez said.
"Experienced? Come on.. Everyone knows you fucked up big time in Monaco in 2011... How is that experienced?" Jenson shot at him.
"That was an accident! You've crashed in that same spot!" Perez exclaimed, feeling that Jenson was attacking him.
"Call it what you want. Maybe if you knew how to control your car a little better, it wouldn't have happened." Jenson got up, and headed inside the building.
Perez looked down at the grass. He had accepted McLarens offer to be a part of the team, but right now he felt like he wanted out.. To be back with Sauber.. To be with his good partner and friend Kobayashi. They'd gotten along great, and had fun.
Was this the end of his career? Or the begining?