F1 News

News

  • News
  • Video
  • Live
  • Opinion
  • Gossip
  • Drivers & Teams
  • Schedule & Results
  • Standings
  • Stats Zone
  • Get Sky F1

Sergio Perez in discussions with McLaren about 2019 return

Vandoorne, Ocon, Norris and Perez in contention to partner Sainz

By Craig Slater and Pete Gill

Last Updated: 06/12/18 11:08am

Sergio Perez is one of four drivers in contention to partner Carlos Sainz at McLaren next season, Sky Sports has learnt.

Although Perez has indicated he expects to stay at Force India for 2019, it is understood the 28-year-old is in discussions with McLaren about a potential return to the team.

McLaren have declined to comment about their driver line-up plans for next year.

But Sky Sports understands the team's shortlist is completed by Stoffel Vandoorne, who has driven for the team for the last two seasons, Perez's Force India team-mate Esteban Ocon and British teenager Lando Norris.

Perez was hired by McLaren to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2013 but was dropped after a single, disappointing season.

But the Mexican has subsequently revived his career at Force India, finishing seventh in the Drivers' Championship last season.

McLaren announced earlier this month the Spanish youngster will replace Fernando Alonso, who is leaving F1 at the end of the year.

But their announcement made no mention of who his partner would be, underlining the precariousness of Vandoorne's position following a dismal campaign in which he has been out-qualified by Alonso at every race.

Norris, 18, was appointed McLaren's test and reserve driver at the start of the year and made his F1 weekend debut at the Belgian GP when he drove Alonso's car in Practice One.

The youngster is set to be given another opportunity to impress this weekend in Friday practice at the Italian GP.

Ocon, meanwhile, is believed to have had a seat fitting at McLaren during the summer break. The Frenchman's place is under threat at Force India following the buyout led by Lawrence Stroll, father of Williams driver Lance.

However, paddock gossip at Spa suggested the 6ft 1in Ocon was found to be too tall for the McLaren cockpit, all-but ruling out a mid-season seat swap.

Prior to the summer break, McLaren were also heavily linked with Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen.

Also See:

  • Recalling Perez's year at McLaren
  • Get Sky Sports F1

But, in a surprise move, Ricciardo has signed a two-year deal with Renault while Raikkonen's retention at Ferrari is expected to be made official at this weekend's race at Monza.

Who's racing with who in F1 2019?

MERCEDES Lewis Hamilton Valtteri Bottas
FERRARI Sebastian Vettel TBC
RED BULL Max Verstappen Pierre Gasly
RENAULT Daniel Ricciardo Nico Hulkenberg
HAAS TBC TBC
FORCE INDIA TBC TBC
MCLAREN Carlos Sainz TBC
TORO ROSSO TBC TBC
SAUBER TBC TBC
WILLIAMS TBC TBC

Get Sky Sports F1.

Trending

  • 1
    Man Utd face Zlatan reunion after drawing Milan in EL last 16
  • 2
    Redknapp: It'll be a surprise if Liverpool make top four
  • 3
    PL predictions: Raphinha to fire first at 8/1
  • 4
    Tuchel: Man Utd clash has 'huge' top-four implications
  • 5
    Guardiola: Come on you Irons!
  • 6
    Ole on Martial: Everyone has a bad patch
  • 7
    Jose: I was wrong over Dier confidence crisis claims
  • 8
    Relegation battle examined: Who will survive?
  • 9
    Tyson admits: Bruno nearly KO'd me
  • 10
    Peacock keeps on running in retirement
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • NFL
    • Olympics
    • Tennis
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NBA
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • MMA
    • More Sports
  • Scores
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Competitions
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Kick It Out
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports Racing
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Group
    • Sky For Businesses
    • NOW TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Work for Sky
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Privacy Options
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

©2021 Sky UK