Carlos Slim signals Esteban Gutierrez likely for Sauber F1 seat in 2013
Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has indicated Esteban Gutierrez is set to join Sauber’s Formula One race line-up alongside Nico Hulkenberg for the 2013 season.
The Sauber Formula One team has enjoyed a strong partnership with Telmex, the Mexican telecommunications giant owned by Carlos Slim. Since 2011, Telmex’s sponsorship has been closely tied to the presence of a Mexican driver on the team. Sergio Perez, who joined Sauber in 2011, became the face of this collaboration and delivered several impressive performances, which helped raise the profile of both Sauber and Telmex within Formula One.
Background: Sauber, Telmex, and Mexican Drivers
With Perez’s impending move to McLaren for the 2013 season, Sauber is left with a significant gap to fill, both on the track and in terms of commercial backing. The Telmex connection has been instrumental in supporting Mexican talent, and attention has now shifted to Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber’s reserve driver and a long-standing member of the Telmex driver development programme.
Gutierrez’s Path to Formula One
Esteban Gutierrez, at 21 years old, has built a reputation as one of Mexico’s most promising racing drivers. After progressing through the junior categories, including success in GP3 and GP2, Gutierrez became Sauber’s reserve driver. His role has included testing duties and, more recently, stepping in for Sergio Perez during Friday practice at the 2012 Indian Grand Prix when Perez was unwell. This opportunity gave Gutierrez his first official taste of Formula One race weekend action.
Gutierrez’s development has been closely monitored by both Sauber and Telmex, with the latter having a vested interest in seeing another Mexican driver succeed at the top level. His recent test outings in the Sauber C31, including participation in the Abu Dhabi young driver test, have further strengthened his case for a 2013 race seat.
Telmex’s Influence and Carlos Slim’s Position
Carlos Slim, head of Telmex and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, has publicly stated his support for Gutierrez’s promotion to a full-time race seat. Speaking to the Mexican newspaper Reforma, Slim indicated that Telmex intends to continue its partnership with Sauber, but emphasised that the presence of a Mexican driver is essential for the ongoing relationship. This stance has significant implications for Sauber’s driver selection, as Telmex’s financial support is a key component of the team’s budget.
Slim pointed out that Gutierrez’s opportunity to participate in a Formula One practice session would not have been given unless there was a long-term plan for him within the team. He also made it clear that Telmex’s involvement in Formula One is contingent upon supporting Mexican drivers. This approach has already proven successful with Perez, and now positions Gutierrez as the natural successor.
The 2013 Sauber Line-up: Competition and Commercial Factors
With Nico Hulkenberg’s move from Force India to Sauber already confirmed for 2013, only one race seat remains available. Alongside Gutierrez, Dutch driver Robin Frijns, the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 champion, has been testing with the team and is also under consideration. While Frijns is highly rated for his on-track abilities, the commercial advantages of retaining Telmex’s sponsorship appear to give Gutierrez a decisive edge in the selection process.
Sauber’s partnership with Telmex has been instrumental in supporting Mexican drivers, and the company’s ongoing backing is seen as vital for the team’s competitiveness and financial stability. With Perez moving to McLaren, the prospect of Gutierrez stepping up ensures that the Telmex-Sauber relationship can continue, maintaining the team’s presence in the Mexican market and securing crucial funding.
Potential Impact: Two Mexicans on the 2013 Grid
If Gutierrez is confirmed as Sauber’s second driver, 2013 will be a landmark year for Mexican motorsport. For the first time, two Mexican drivers would compete in a full Formula One season: Sergio Perez at McLaren and Esteban Gutierrez at Sauber. This would represent a significant achievement for the Telmex driver development programme and a boost for Formula One’s popularity in Mexico.
Telmex’s support has played a pivotal role in bringing both Perez and Gutierrez to the grid, highlighting the importance of strong commercial partnerships in modern Formula One. For Sauber, confirming Gutierrez would not only secure vital sponsorship but also build on the momentum created by Perez’s success, ensuring continued interest from Mexican fans and sponsors.
Summary: Gutierrez Likely to Join Hulkenberg at Sauber
With Carlos Slim’s endorsement and the commercial weight of Telmex’s sponsorship, Esteban Gutierrez appears to be the frontrunner for Sauber’s remaining 2013 race seat. While Robin Frijns remains a contender based on his on-track performances, the broader business context strongly favours Gutierrez. An official announcement from Sauber is expected once negotiations are finalised, but all indications suggest that Gutierrez will make his full-time Formula One debut alongside Nico Hulkenberg next season.
