Sergio Perez is remaining coy over his future amid links to two Formula 1 teams at very different parts of the grid.
The Mexican, who’ll be replaced by Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin for 2021, has been more strongly tied to a move to Haas for next season, with some speculation he could be announced as early as this week.
Meanwhile, others still see Checo as an outsider option for Red Bull should they decide to drop Alex Albon.
Certainly, one of those seats holds a lot more appeal than the other and commenting on his next move, Perez did make it clear everything was still on the table.
“I have no idea [what happens next] but I’m very excited,” he told Sky Sports in Sochi.
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“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,” he continued. “I’m only 30 and I feel I have so much to give. I’m in the prime of my career, but it’s not up to me, it’s up to the options.”
Perez would confirm he is at least partway down the path of making his decision, however.
“Nothing is signed yet but there has been some progress so we will see in the coming weeks,” he added.
“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 has been contact with a couple of teams and talks, but that is something that I will keep between the teams and myself.
“I think everyone deserves their respect. They have current drivers, current discussions so it is something I will definitely keep to myself.”