Sergio Perez has announced a new three-year deal with Racing Point, taking him to the end of 2022.
A renewal was widely expected with the Mexican giving hints before the summer break, but a multi-year contract is a first for Perez given the influence of his sponsors.
What it does do, is show tremendous faith in Racing Point, with the team looking to use the 2021 regulation changes to challenge the domination of the top three.
“We know Sergio very well and it’s great to confirm him on a long-term deal,” team boss and CEO Otmar Szafnauer said.
“Over the last six years, we have seen him become a very complete driver with excellent qualifying speed and exceptional race craft. Sergio believes in the long-term vision of this project and getting his commitment until the end of 2022 gives us valuable consistency going forward.
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“As the team continues to grow and develop it’s important to have a driver with Sergio’s level of experience, especially with new regulations on the horizon. The whole team is thrilled to continue working with Sergio and I believe we can enjoy great success together in the coming years.”
Perez’s interest in Racing Point reached a new level last year when he triggered the administration process which resulted in the takeover by current owner Lawrence Stroll.
And as he now watches the Silverstone-based outfit start to develop from the ashes of Force India, he has ambitious goals for the future.
“I’m very excited to extend my partnership with the team for the next three years,” he said.
“I’ve been working together with this group of people for a long time now and they have become my second family. Together we have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success and we share the same passion for racing.
“I have been impressed with the direction the team has taken over the last 12 months and that gives me confidence for the future. I believe the best times are still to come and I look forward to celebrating plenty of podiums in the years ahead.”