Perez backer Slim not ruling out Ferrari future

Sergio Perez’s backer has admitted a move for the Mexican driver to Ferrari is not out of the question for 2013.

Already a part of Ferrari’s driver programme, Perez is also strongly backed by Telmex, the telcom headed by the world’s richest man, Carlos Slim.

Slim’s son, Carlos Slim Domit, controls Telmex’s formula one programme, which is currently in the form of sponsorship of the Ferrari-powered Sauber team.

But Perez, 22, is tipped to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari next year.

"His most important challenge is this season," Slim Domit told Spain’s AS sports newspaper.

"A good championship in 2012 can put him into the frame with the best teams, but a bad year would have the opposite effect," he admitted.

"It is true that there is a relationship with Ferrari on two levels — with them being the engine supplier of Sauber and the other because he (Perez) is in their young (driver) programme.

"It’s a tough sport where results matter and, as such, the future will be clearer," added Slim.

He was also asked if Telmex has considered buying a F1 team, amid reports recently that the Slim family is interested in struggling HRT.

"I don’t know," answered Slim. "In our case, being not directly involved allows us to select the team we work with and we do not change our strategy."