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Sergio Perez signs one-year contract extension with Force India

Perez to remain alongside Esteban Ocon in 2018

Last Updated: 30/09/17 8:28am

Sergio Perez has signed a new one-year contract with Force India to remain with the team until the end of 2018.

Force India confirmed they will now field an unchanged driver line-up next season - following Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and Haas - with the Mexican racing alongside Esteban Ocon.

"Staying with Sahara Force India was always my priority," said Perez. "It's a team that has allowed me to show my talents as a driver and I feel very happy here.

"I'm proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come. The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth best team in Formula 1.

"In the end, it was an easy decision to continue our journey together."

F1 in 2018: Driver line-ups and race dates

Perez, who has been frequently been linked with a move away from Force India, revealed in Singapore that two other F1 teams had been monitoring him for 2018.

And the one-year deal will leave him with options for 2019, when seats at Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull will potentially be available.

Perez currently sits seventh in the Drivers' Championship with 58 points, three points ahead of team-mate Ocon and 10 points behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

"Sergio has played an important role in our success story over the last few years," team principal Vijay Mallya said.

"His track record speaks for itself as the most successful Force India driver ever with four podiums.

"Alongside Esteban, retaining Sergio gives us stability going into next season and one of the most exciting driver pairings in Formula One."

McLaren, Williams, Toro Rosso and Sauber are yet to confirm their driver line-ups for 2018.

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