Telmex staying at Sauber after Perez switch

Telmex will continue to sponsor Sauber, despite the Swiss team losing Mexican Sergio Perez to McLaren.

Perez made his debut with the Hinwil based team last year with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim’s backing, primarily through the telcom Telmex’s branding.

So the 22-year-old’s switch to McLaren for 2013 had triggered rumours the British team also wanted Telmex to replace its reportedly flagging title sponsor Vodafone.

But Telmex is staying with Sauber, chief executive Monisha Kaltenborn announced on Friday, sparking immediate rumours the brand might push for its other Mexican charge - 21-year-old Esteban Gutierrez - to replace Perez.

Referring to Perez’s switch, Kaltenborn said at Suzuka: "We were informed by Telmex about this change and Telmex also told us that they have a long-term project with Sauber which will not be affected by Sergio leaving the team."

Sauber’s other driver, Kamui Kobayashi, admitted on Thursday that his future is unclear at present.

"I have no idea," said the Japanese when asked about his future.