Sergio Perez has suggested his current contract may be his last in Formula 1 if he’s not fighting for wins by the end of it.
The Mexican’s career has in many ways echoed one his former teammate Nico Hulkenberg as a big talent that has rarely had the car to match it, although he does have eight podiums to his name compared to the German’s zero.
Since 2014, Force India/ Racing Point has been his home and it was his actions that resulted in the takeover and subsequent renaming in 2018.
Last year, Perez signed a new three-year deal with the Silverstone-based squad and pointed to the investment plus the new regulations next year as his motivating factors.
“What gave me the hope is a change of rules and that I know what’s going on with the team,” he said.
“I mean, I have to be also realistic, you know, I cannot be with Mercedes or Ferrari so this is a fantastic place to be. Many drivers would love to be here, especially with what is going on behind the scenes. So it’s a good opportunity.
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“But obviously it’s going to be my 10th year in F1 this year and if things keep going the same way I don’t see me extending my career much further than 2022,” he stated.
“Three years in Formula 1 go by very fast. I’m very optimistic and I’m ready to fight for wins and I’m all for it.”
Despite his commitment to Racing Point though, Perez also remains open to opportunities at a front-running team.
“The way I see it is that I’ve been so long in this team, it’s really become like my second family,” he explained.
“So I don’t think there will be anyone happier if an opportunity comes to me with a top team and they will for sure give me the opportunity.
“But if that’s not the case, it is a fantastic place to be. So why not commit for a good, long-term future and then I’m sure I’m going to be very successful here.”