Sergio Perez says he wants to stay in Formula 1 with a project “targeting 2022” or he’ll likely retire.
Late on Wednesday, the Mexican announced he would be departing Racing Point at the end of this season, with Sebastian Vettel confirmed as his replacement for the new Aston Martin era on Thursday.
Since then Perez has been linked to Haas, Alfa Romeo and even recommended to Red Bull, but after spending much of his F1 career mired in the midfield, he admits where ever he’ll consider teams that have potential.
“I think everything is an option right now,” he said ahead of the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello on Thursday.
“My main target is to remain in F1, I feel that I am still very young and hungry and I want to carry on in Formula 1.
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“But it has to be the right package, a package that really gives me the maximum motivation to give my 100 per cent every single lap,” Checo noted.
“I think it’s also going to be a long-term project, targeting 2022, there I expect the rule changing to play a major effect. So that’s the main reason that I want to continue for 2022 because I feel there can be plenty of opportunities.”
Perez’s financial backing, as well as his established ability, would make him an attractive choice for all of the smaller teams looking to sure up their 2021 budget.
But the 30-year-old doesn’t foresee a scenario where he’d leave F1 and return.
‘I am in a good position and am quite surprised with the options that are still open,” he was quoted as telling Sky Sports.
“However, I do not want to rush it. I want to see what options are available and then make my decision. I don’t expect to do that in the short term.
“I could take a sabbatical now, but for the moment, my priority is to find a two-year contract to secure myself a place in F1 until 2022.
“It would be ideal to gain some experience with a new team in 2021 and then drive a strong 2022.
“I don’t think you can come back from a year in between. So I don’t think that’s a good idea. If I do, I’ll see myself retiring sooner.”