Mexican driver sets Suzuka deadline to resolve Force India future
Monday 3 October 2016 09:04, UK
Sergio Perez has labelled the next week "crucial" in negotiations over his F1 future.
Nearly three months after Force India boss Vijay Mallya first said Perez was already signed for 2017, official confirmation that the Mexican is staying at the team for a fourth season has not been forthcoming.
Speculation that Perez could move to Renault has faded in recent weeks, making a stay at Force India more likely. However, the situation continues to drag on with terms still not thought to be agreed between the driver, his Mexican backers and the team.
And although the 26-year-old has insisted he is "not worried", he admits he wants his 2017 plans resolved imminently.
"I don't think I can take that long," he said when asked if he would like his 2017 plans to be confirmed in time for his home Mexican GP next month. "Because the longer you take the less options there are available and people aren't going to wait that long for you.
"I believe that next week is crucial to sort out my future.
"By next week I want to know basically if that option will remain [to stay at Force India] or if I have to look somewhere else."
In addition to Renault, Perez has also been linked with Williams with his reputation having successfully recovered over the last two years following a bruising single season at McLaren in 2013.
The Mexican reiterated that he has no desire to leave Force India ahead of next season's rules revolution.
"At the moment basically thinking only on next year," he said. "We are going into a next generation of cars so it will be really crucial to have the stability . And I like that - I like to spend many years with a team and develop a relationship.
"It's not a secret I want to be here for next year. I believe in the team. But whether it's what I get in the end, I don't know. But I'm sure I will find out next week."
