Perez has ‘a couple of options’ for F1 2019 

Sergio Perez feels he is in a good position regarding his Formula 1 future and says he has “a couple of options” open to him for next season. 

The Mexican’s contract with Force India expires at the end of the current campaign, and he was keeping his options open given the uncertainty surrounding the Silverstone-based squad amid its off-track financial difficulties. 

On Tuesday evening it emerged Force India has been rescued from administration by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, the father of Williams driver Lance Stroll, securing the team’s future in F1. 

While Perez is likely to extend his tenure with Force India into a sixth year, he revealed he has alternative options available to him when pressed on the subject at the Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of the summer break. 

“I'm lucky enough to have a couple of options,” Perez said. “Obviously we all want to be driving in the top two teams, Ferrari or Mercedes. 

“But it's very unlikely that I'll have an opportunity there for next year, so you have to look at what is the best option for your future where you can show your best talents. 

“The last two years, the best of the rest in the drivers' championship. I just want to see what's possible for next year, which teams have a vacancy, and then decide,” he added. 

“I will definitely wait to see what happens here, because I believe this team has the most potential of anyone out there out of the top three teams.” 

Perez - who started legal proceedings against Force India in a bid to save the team - brings substantial backers to the team, so is unlikely to lose his seat, even if Stroll made the switch from Williams. 

It could cast doubts over Esteban Ocon's position in the team, with the Mercedes junior facing the prospect of potentially losing his drive should Stroll be brought in.  

Prior to the deal to take Force India out of administration, Perez made it clear he would take his time before making any decision, but expected the situation to become clearer over the summer break. 

“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 explained. 

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

“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, and then I will be able to make a clear decision.”