Formula One may be losing its sheen among Indian public but the Indian Grand Prix continues to be close to the hearts of star F1 drivers.
Reacting to the scrapping of Indian GP from 2014 F1 edition, Sergio Perez, Mclaren driver, called it a “shame”, while Mercedes driver lewis Hamilton believes that it “will come back” next year. “It’s a shame, we are not having a race for the next year. Hopefully, we return later on. The market is growing, when we come here every year, the interest is getting better. It’s slowly coming up in India and hopefully we can come back here. It’s a race we can keep it for 2015 and beyond that,” Perez said at a promotional event for Gillette here on Wednesday.
“I think it (Indian Grand Prix) will come back. They have put in great efforts to put this track together. It is such an impressive track. The F1 calender is changing every year. The fans would be missing the action but I am sure it will come back,” Hamilton told reporters. “Hopefully it will become part of culture here in India and lot more people would be enjoying it,” he added.
F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, in a reshuffle of the 2014 calender, chucked out Indian GP which is expected to be part of the 2015 season in the first half. He cited political problems, a veiled reference to tax issues in the country, for dropping the Indian race. Organisers Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) had preferred a slot in October 2014 but eventually agreed for the change.
The third season of the Indian Grand Prix will be held at the Buddh International circuit this weekend and the 28-year-old Hamilton said he is itching to give his best on this track.“I want to do better here. Characteristic wise it is a similar circuit to Korea. Having the experience of racing in Korea, the performance this weekend will be stronger. I can’t wait to get into my car. It is different team, a different phase of my life and I want to make most of it.”
Besies that the British driver also wants to tantalise his taste buds on his visit here and wishes to explore the countryside to understand Indian culture better. “At some stage I want to travel here. I want to see the countryside and want to see more of life here. India is such a big place and it has so much to offer. And I want to some more food, some more restaurants. I am hoping this weekend to try more restaurants with my family and get some delicious food in our bellies,” Hamilton said.
On the other hand, Perez is under immense pressure to lift his performances. Mclaren are without a win or even a podium this year and are heading towards finishing their first season in 33 years since 1980 without a podium. Perez has 22 points, just three more than his Sauber replacement Nico Hulkenberg, and a best finish of sixth place in Bahrain GP. Driving for Sauber in 2012, Perez, at this stage of the season, had 65 points and three podium finishes, a performance which led to his transfer to Mclaren-Mercedes.
“It’s been a very disappointing season for all of us, for myself, for the whole team. It’s a shame that it can end up being one of the worst seasons for us. It’s not the best feeling,” Perez said. “We’re a winning team. It’s been extremely painful for myself. We have to look forward as a team and to ensure that we get stronger for the next season. With regulations changing, we have to make sure we are on top of it and we are able to fight for the championship,” he said.