Perez ready to race amid Force India uncertainty

Sergio Perez insists he is focusing his energy solely on driving matters despite uncertainty surrounding the Force India Formula 1 team at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

The Silverstone-based squad entered administration on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend as it battled off-track financial struggles, before the team was saved by a consortium headed by Lawrence Stroll.

Reports suggest doubts remain over Force India’s participation at this weekend’s race in Spa, while the team’s trucks and motorhome have had name and sponsor stickers removed. But Perez, who refused to comment directly on the situation, stressed he has no concerns. 

When asked if there are any doubts over whether he will drive, Perez replied: “As far as I’m concerned no, so it’s business as usual.

“I’m here to drive and do my job. Looking forward to enjoy the weekend and focusing on the driving, that’s my priority,” he added.

“I’m just a driver and I’m here to perform at my best, prepare at my best, and has been quite difficult the last couple of months in that regard, definitely good, and able to focus now on being a racing driver.”

Perez said the early signs he has witnessed since the Stroll-backed consortium bought the assets of Force India have been positive, while the Mexican hopes the team will benefit in terms of on-track performance now its future is secure.

“I think the team is quite optimistic, quite happy,” he said. “We can see a release on the upgrades coming for the future, we see a different structure, and financially the team has a much more stable future for the coming years, so I think that can directly be linked to track performance.

“This team is a bit used to being in difficult situations, and you know, we’re coming out of a difficult position. I think the team is always ready, we have great team members, and the people back home are performing at their best, everyone is very motivated, which I have to thank everyone for that, so very much looking forward to it.”

Teammate Esteban Ocon echoed Perez's comments, adding: "I can’t comment on everything that is happening outside. What I know is that on the racing side, it’s the same as Hungary. Everyone is just as motivated as they were."