Vijay Mallya claimed Perez and Hulkenberg were signed for 2017
Friday 22 July 2016 07:17, UK
Sergio Perez says he must consult with his sponsors before his Force India stay is confirmed, despite claims from Vijay Mallya that the Mexican was signed up for 2017.
The Force India team principal told media at the British GP that Perez and Nico Hulkenberg had agreed contracts and would take their driver partnership into a fourth year next season.
"We used to wait almost to the onset of winter before we announced our driver line-up but this time we signed both for 2017 well in advance," Mallya claimed.
But Perez, who was quoted in Germany saying 2016 was still "decisive" for him as he chased a top seat, insists his F1 future is not just up to him and will be decided during the summer break.
"As you know i'm a very lucky driver to have many sponsors behind me so I'm not alone," the 26-year-old, heavily linked with Ferrari before Kimi Raikkonen's renewal, said ahead of the Hungarian GP.
"I don't decide my future on my own. I need to speak to my group of sponsors to see what's best for our future and then we will decide.
"I think we have some time during the summer break, that's why I said that, and then we'll decide what's best for my career.
"What Vijay says is correct but it depends a lot on my sponsors as well, to decide what to do."
Perez has brought a host of sponsors with him throughout his career, with 10 confirmed on his official website. They include telecommunications company Telmex and Mexico's second largest bank Banamex.
Watch the Hungarian GP live on Sky Sports F1. The race starts at 1pm on Sunday, with build-up underway at 11:30am. Or watch the race without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV.
