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Adrian's Blog: Mexico Trip

 

I have spent the last two weeks in Mexico, and it has been busy and exciting both personally and professionally. I was able to spend a lot of time with family and friends and introduce many of them to my children, Valentina and Niko, for the first time. I also participated in several events which will bring fond memories for many years to come.

 

 

Last Monday was a very special day. I attended a press conference organized by Escuderia Telmex where Carlos Slim announced that Sergio Perez will drive for the Sauber Motorsport Formula One team next year. It was a proud and emotional day for me. As I have said, I have known Sergio since he was two and he is like a son to me.

 

As many of you know, I have been involved with Carlos Slim, Jimmy Morales and Guillermo Fernandez in a project to help up-and-coming Mexican drivers. This idea started a few years ago when I was in Acapulco with Carlos and Jimmy. We saw the need to help the next generation of drivers and try to reduce some of the steps that I and Jimmy went through in our careers. My small role has been to help guide and advise these young drivers in all aspects of their career, and I attended several Grands Prix this year to support the rising talents we have in Sergio and Esteban Gutierrez.

 

To have Sergio confirmed as an F1 driver next year and also Esteban named as Sauber’s reserve and test driver was tremendous news. Mexico has not had a driver in Formula One since 1981. Carlos was the architect behind this and it was thrilling for me to have a small part and to see the dreams of so many become a reality.

 

On Friday, I had another privilege –  being inducted into the Mexico Auto Racing Hall of Fame. It was truly one of the high points of my career. To be included alongside great racers, industry leaders and developers that have done so much for racing in my country, including my idols Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez, was an amazing honor.

 

In addition to my parents and Catalina, my uncles Santiago and Jose were able to attend. They were responsible for my start in racing almost 30 years ago and it meant so much to me to share this with them.

 

My trip included an appearance for Aston Martin Racing’s partner Jaeger-LeCoultre at an international watch fair with major brands from around the world. Jaeger-LeCoultre were debuting two new watches – the Amvox 2 pink gold and Amvox 5 Chrono – and also the Amvox 3 Tourbillon. Beautiful watches! It was a great event with media interviews, a luncheon and photoshoot for various publications.

 

 

This past Saturday my wife, my mother and I attended the wedding of my good friend Carlos Slim, who was best man at my wedding, which was just incredible. There were over 2,000 guests, from Chip Ganassi, Peter Sauber, Bill France, Gerhard Berger and Jo Ramirez to former President Vicente Fox and current President Felipe Calderon to name a few. It was an honor to be a part of this special day for Carlos and also to reunite with so many friends. It was a beautiful event, and I wish Carlos and Maria Elena many years of happiness.

 

 

 

I will keep you posted with news over the off-season including the latest developments with the new Aston Martin LMP1 car.

 

Thank you for your support,
Adrian

 

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