Perez targets title

Everyone might have been expecting a quiet period for Sergio Perez when he makes the move from Sauber to McLaren next year.

Perez was announced as Lewis Hamilton's replacement at McLaren on the same day that the 2008 F1 World Champion made his move to Mercedes official.

With all due respect to Sauber, it's quite a step-up for the young Mexican and new team-mate Jenson Button has already said that the 22-year-old will have a lot to learn during his first season in what will be one of the quickest cars of the field in 2013.

But whilst everyone may think that Perez will need time to adapt to his new surroundings, Chico as he is affectionately known, has never really been one to take it slow.

He of course has only had two full seasons in Formula One thus far, making his debut for Sauber at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix. He's gone on to race 37 times and this season he stood on the podium three times.

A second place finish in Malaysia, third in Canada and second again in Italy.

Hardly surprising then that Perez will actually be targeting his first win during next season, not only that, but much like the man he's replacing, Perez believes he can battle for the Formula One World Championship during his first season with McLaren.

'My target is to win the championship already next year with [McLaren], That takes a lot of work during the season, so it's very important to start my preparation really well with them and try to reach their targets.' he told Autosport Magazine.

'This year, they had many reliability issues and if they solve that they will be ready to fight for the title.

'I think what I am saying is realistic because the team is capable of putting out a very strong car. The targets have to be high. McLaren wants to win every single race.

'As a driver you are looking for every challenge and I think it's a very good challenge. It's the best team in F1, the best team in the world so definitely a very big challenge.'

One of his major challenges will be beating 32-year-old and now number one McLaren driver Jenson Button.

The 2009 Formula One World Champion is looking forward to leading the team and will be pushing the new cars development to suite his smooth driving style, something the 2012 car didn't always compliment.

'it's something I really look forward to and it's something where the best comes out of me in that situation.

'I can really build that team around me and direct the team in a direction I like with the car.' Button told Sky Sports.

'I need to develop a car and engineer a car in a position that feels comfortable for me, and I don't think anyone can do a better job than I can in that position.

The battle between Hamilton and Button was sometimes won and lost with car set up in the McLaren garage.

During 2011 the car seemed to better suite Button, whilst in 2012 it seemed to suite Hamilton's style more.

But perhaps with Perez style of looking after the tyres for long periods like he showed at Sauber, will this combination compliment each other better? Will it be easier for McLaren to find a set-up that suites both drivers?