Breaking news
Formula 1
Perez close to extending Force India stay
Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez says his deal with Force India is on course for a prompt renewal now that the team's future has been secured.
Valentin Khorounzhiy Pablo Elizalde
Edited: Aug 20, 2018, 2:53 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Perez has been racing for Force India since 2014, scoring five grand prix podium finishes in that time, but admitted earlier this year that his future with the outfit hinged on whether it would overcome its “critical” financial situation.
And now that this situation has been resolved, Perez – who had been linked with rival F1 teams, most notably Haas - has told Latin American network Fox Sports that he is close to extending his Force India stay.
“I think it's a great opportunity to continue with the team,” he said. “When you don't have a chance at Ferrari or Mercedes, I think Force India is a very attractive option.
“We are almost there [for 2019]. In fact, it's just a matter of days or weeks. It's just about clearing up the situation with the team.
“My contract doesn't need signing. The renewal [option] is there and it's just about seeing what position the team is in to continue.”
Perez played a major role in Force India's recent takeover as it was his backers who took legal action that sent the outfit into administration, with the aim of protecting the team from the threat of winding-up order.
The team's future was swiftly secured as the administrators accepted a bid from a consortium led by fashion mogul Lawrence Stroll.
Stroll's son Lance, who has been driving for Williams since 2017, is now widely expected to make the switch to Force India for next year.
“It was a very complicated situation, where I realised I was in a position I never expected as a driver and I had to act,” Perez recalled. “There were 400 jobs at risk.
“Fortunately everything has been rescued and everything looks great.
“It looks like an incredible future for the team, with a good investment that above all gives the team a lot of stability, which is what it struggled with during the past years.”
A likely Stroll-Perez line-up at Force India would force Perez's current teammate Esteban Ocon to look for a new team, the Frenchman's options for 2019 having seemingly dwindled as of late despite solid performances on track.
Ocon, who was expected to move to Renault before the manufacturer's shock signing of Daniel Ricciardo, has recently been linked to the second McLaren seat alongside new recruit Carlos Sainz.
Sergio Perez, Force India VJM11, leads Esteban Ocon, Force India VJM11
Photo by: Andrew Hone / LAT Images
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article The tech war fuelling the Mercedes/Ferrari battle
Next article Norris to make FP1 debut with McLaren at Spa
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Valentin Khorounzhiy
WTCR's April opener cancelled due to coronavirus
WTCR
WTCR
Hungaroring
WTCR's April opener cancelled due to coronavirus
Australian GP issues update on nine F1 paddock coronavirus tests
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Australian GP issues update on nine F1 paddock coronavirus tests
Motorsport Games unveils 15 disciplines for 2020
General
General
Motorsport Games unveils 15 disciplines for 2020
More from
Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez to skip F1 Mexico GP fan forum due to illness
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
Sergio Perez to skip F1 Mexico GP fan forum due to illness
Sergio Perez praises Colton Herta impact - but has no say over 2027 Cadillac F1 team-mate choice
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
Sergio Perez praises Colton Herta impact - but has no say over 2027 Cadillac F1 team-mate choice
The 10 key moments that defined Sergio Perez's F1 career
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The 10 key moments that defined Sergio Perez's F1 career
More from
Force India
Otmar Szafnauer reveals failed Kimi Raikkonen bid involving "Angry Birds" founders
Formula 1
Formula 1
Canadian GP
Otmar Szafnauer reveals failed Kimi Raikkonen bid involving "Angry Birds" founders
Esteban Ocon explains why he collided with Sergio Perez so often at Force India
Formula 1
Formula 1
Esteban Ocon explains why he collided with Sergio Perez so often at Force India
Former Force India F1 boss Fernley dies aged 70
Formula 1
Formula 1
Austrian GP
Former Force India F1 boss Fernley dies aged 70
Latest news
William Byron and Rudy Fugle really needed this one
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Martinsville II
1 h
William Byron and Rudy Fugle really needed this one
It's all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Martinsville II
1 h
It's all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup
Penalty drops Oscar Piastri out of F1 Mexico GP points
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
Penalty drops Oscar Piastri out of F1 Mexico GP points
Alpine drivers penalised post-race, Ryo Hirakawa scores on F1 debut at Mexico GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
Alpine drivers penalised post-race, Ryo Hirakawa scores on F1 debut at Mexico GP
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe