Lauda: Perez Has Potential For Bigger Things

Former Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda believes Mexican Sauber driver Sergio Perez has the potential to be one of the the greatest drivers in Formula 1. The Austrian also said that it won't necessarily have to be with Ferrari.

Perez, who is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, finished second at the Italian Grand Prix last time out, after overtaking both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa to finish behind race winner Lewis Hamilton.

Thanks to a late one stop strategy, the 22 year old Mexican charged through the field, easily passing his rivals including Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who many still believe will be replaced by Perez next season.

Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, 63 year old Lauda said: "In Italy Perez drove like a god and this in the truest sense of the word. Unemotionally and without error. No driver has impressed me more than this season in a Grand Prix."

According to the Austrian, the Sauber driver does not necessarily have to be a Ferrari driver to achieve greatness.

"Perez certainly has the potential for bigger things but that does not mean he is going to Ferrari," Lauda added.