Esteban Gutierrez: I don’t know if I am ready yet

Esteban Gutierrez has surprisingly stated how he is unsure as to whether he is ready for a full-time drive in Formula 1, after Sauber today confirmed what was already a foregone conclusion that the Mexican driver would be replacing Sergio Perez in 2013. The 21-year-old has long been associated with Sauber, and drove during practice at India.

However, with the Swiss outfit today confirming Esteban Gutierrez at Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg for 2013, the inaugural GP3 Champion has explained how he is unsure if he is ready to take the step up to Formula 1. The Mexican driver has already found success in both GP3 and GP2, however he is remaining realistic in relation to his aims and ambitions during his debut season next year.

This season has seen Sauber step onto the podium on numerous occasions with both Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi, and the Hinwil-based outfit will understandably be eager to continue their competitiveness next season. Gutierrez won the inaugural GP3 Championship in 2010, and has won numerous races in GP2 for Lotus GP. However, the 21-year-old remains uncertain as to whether he is currently 100% ready for his F1 debut.

"To be honest I don’t know if I am ready yet," confirmed Esteban Gutierrez at the Interlagos circuit on Friday. “When I’m in the position of being an F1 driver next season then I will know if I am ready or not. Definitely I feel that I was comfortable to do the next step in my career. After all the experience in FBMW and F3, GP3, two years in GP2, and now F1, it is one of the basic introductions to racing. Now reaching F1 is just the beginning of a reality so I am pleased for it. It doesn’t make sense to say I am 100 per cent ready; it is difficult to say or judge right now how ready I am.”

Despite finishing all but two races this season in the GP2 feeder Series, Esteban Gutierrez endured a season of sporadic results throughout the 24 races. From storming to victories at Valencia, Silverstone and the Hungaroring to finishing 23rd at Monaco and 13th at Spa-Francorchamps, consistency was not one of the Mexican’s strong points. During his first Formula 1 season next year, Esteban Gutierrez is aiming to simply remain consistent as he learns the circuits and life as an F1 driver. After Sergio Perez’s tremendous 2012 season, his successor has no expectations of emulating such successes during his first season in the sport.

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