Perez: Force India F1 financial situation 'critical'

Sergio Perez says Force India is currently in a "critical" financial situation amid speculation of a possible takeover or arrival of new investors, leaving him eager to get a clearer picture of its future prospects before deciding on his own Formula 1 plans for 2019.

Force India has been forced to hold back updates through 2018 due to financial limitations and is understood to have an outstanding debt to engine supplier Mercedes, leading to concerns about its future.

While Force India owner Vijay Mallya said earlier this month the team's situation is no different than at this time in previous years, there is speculation it could enter administration in the near future, while Williams F1 driver Lance Stroll's father, Lawrence, has also been mooted as a possible new investor.

Speaking about Force India's financial struggles, Perez made no secret of the impact it has had on the team, but took heart from its ability to still fight at the front-end of the midfield regardless.

"Well at the moment, the situation is critical. There's no secret the financial problems have held the team back quite a bit," Perez said.

"But when you look at the results, because Formula 1 is just about the results, we are fifth in the constructors' championship, and you cannot imagine the financial issues we've had so far. It just shows the potential that this team has."

Perez said he "definitely" wanted to get a better idea of Force India's financial picture before deciding on his future, with the former Sauber and McLaren driver's contract up at the end of the season.

"I would like to see what happens in the coming weeks, months, whatever happens with the team, because I believe it is a great team," he added.

Perez has been linked with a possible move to Haas for 2019, and while he said he is not in a hurry to finalise his future, the Mexican is expecting to get a clearer picture over the summer break.

"I'm not in a hurry, because I know I'm in a good position. But the sooner the better," Perez said.

"There is also a point on how long you can wait to make up your mind. I think now, during the summer break, I will have a good idea what's happening here.

"Then I will be able to make a clear decision."