Perez considering two F1 options for 2018

Sergio Perez says he is close to finalising his Formula 1 plans for the 2018 season, having narrowed down to two options in recent weeks.

Perez has led Force India's charge in F1 since joining the team back in 2014, leading to his name being thrown into the ring for a possible Ferrari seat were the Italian marque to shake-up its line-up for next year.

Perez had hoped to sew up his future by the time F1 returned from its summer break at Spa, only for talks to drag on and leave the Mexican still unconfirmed for 2018 ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

When asked by Crash.net if there had been any progress with his contract talks since Monza, Perez said: "Definitely. I think I’m really close to being able to sign my contract. But until I have signed it, you know you never know in Formula 1.

"Given in the position that I am, I’m in a team that is fourth two years consecutive. I think next year is going to be a massive challenge to keep that, so looking at the opportunities that are around, there’s not really a seat in a top team or to move up the grid.

"So it’s difficult to figure out what to do given that the driver market is not moving too much at the moment. But I think Force India it’s a team that is definitely capable of giving you a car to show your talent and that’s very important, you know.

"Let’s see what happens but it definitely feel that it’s a great place for me."

Perez did confirm he has an alternative to Force India for 2018, potentially adding an extra edge to the somewhat static-looking driver market for 2018.

"There are two options, to be quite frank, but I don’t want to comment too much on those," Perez said.

"I’m really close to signing a contract, but until that is signed it’s pure speculation.

"I prefer to focus on this weekend and I’m going to give it my all this week."

Additional reporting by Hazel Southwell.