Perez admits he overheard Stroll confirming Vettel F1 signing

Sergio Perez has admitted he found out he would lose his Formula 1 seat at Racing Point to Sebastian Vettel due to overhearing team owner Lawrence Stroll discussing the plan.

A report by RaceFans earlier this month claimed that Perez had discovered his fate when he accidently overhead a phone call between Stroll and the team’s lawyer at the Italian Grand Prix, three days before his departure was officially announced.

Speaking to Sky Sports at last weekend’s Russian Grand Prix, Perez confirmed that the story was indeed true.

"It's true," Perez said. "I found out on Sunday I was not going to stay. I already knew in advance.

"I expected a bit more transparency but I understand Otmar [Szafnauer, team boss] is not an easy position, and Lawrence - I've got nothing against him,” he added. “I want the team to do very well in their future."

Perez has been left without a drive for 2021 after being replaced by four-time world champion Vettel when the Silverstone outfit rebrands to Aston Martin.

The Mexican has been linked with Haas, Alfa Romeo and Red Bull, and revealed in Sochi that he has held talks with teams and expects things to become “clearer” regarding his future in the coming weeks.

"I have no idea [what happens next] but I'm very excited," he said. "After 10 years in the sport I want a challenge that motivates me to give my 100 per cent on every single lap, every single morning to go and train and travel around the world. I need that.

“If I don't find that, I won't stay in the sport - I might take a year out, see what options come in a year after, or I might look for another series. Or retire. Every scenario, none of them are bad options.

"My priority is to continue in the sport. I'm only 30 and I feel I have so much to give, and I'm in the prime of my career. But it's not up to me, it's up to the options.

"Nothing is signed yet but there has been some progress so we will see in the coming weeks. As I said before, I think at this stage no one is in any hurry. Not the teams, not me so, let's wait. There's a long way to go."