Force India has confirmed Sergio Perez will remain with the team for a fifth season in 2018 after signing another one-year deal.
The Mexican was scooped up by the Silverstone-based outfit in 2014, following his dumping by McLaren the year prior, and has gone on to become their most successful driver scoring four of his seven career podiums.
His retention was widely expected with murmurings of a new contract being close for several weeks. That’s despite an increasingly fractious relationship with teammate Esteban Ocon over the summer, with the pair making contact twice in Baku and Belgium and having another minor controversy earlier in the year in Canada.
But with Force India still easily on course to match the fourth-place finish they achieved last year in the Constructors’ Championship and with no seats available at the top three teams, Perez admitted there was little point in looking elsewhere.
“Staying with Sahara Force India was always my priority,” he claimed. “It’s a team that has allowed me to show my talents as a driver and I feel very happy here. I’m proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come. The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth best team in Formula One. In the
“I’m proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come. The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth best team in F1. In the end, it was an easy decision to continue our journey together.”
Also commenting on the contract extension, Force India owner Vijay Mallya spoke about the reputation Perez, who currently sits as the best midfield driver in seventh in the Drivers’ standings, has carved during his time with the team.
“Sergio has played an important role in our success story over the last few years,” he said. “Since joining us in 2014, he has matured to become one of the quickest and most consistent drivers on the grid. His track record speaks for itself as the most successful Force India driver ever with four podiums.
“Alongside Esteban, retaining Sergio gives us stability going into next season and one of the most exciting driver pairings in F1.”
