Sergio Perez has dismissed speculation linking Sebastian Vettel to his seat in 2021, claiming he feels “quite secure” at Racing Point.
The Mexican is back on the Formula 1 grid this weekend in Barcelona after missing the past two races at Silverstone having contracted Covid-19 seemingly during a trip home post-Hungary.
During his absence though, rumours over his future have continued with some even claiming Racing Point had delayed announcing Vettel in the wake of his positive coronavirus tests.
“With the rumours of Sebastian, I think there’s nothing I can do,” Perez said, speaking to the media on Thursday.
“What I’ve heard from the team is that we all want to keep going, to continue. So I believe it’s just a matter of time before those rumours can go away.”
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Earlier Perez had admitted receiving offers from elsewhere, including within F1, should his Racing Point contract be terminated.
But he doesn’t feel to pursue any of them because of his apparent reassurances at the Silverstone-based team.
“No, not really, given that my position with the team looks quite secure,” Perez said, of if he had held talks with other teams.
“That’s the feeling that I’ve been getting. We are fully on this package, and we want to continue as well.”
Many though were reading a lot into two sightings at Silverstone, first Vettel bumping elbows with Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll and then leaving the circuit with team boss Otmar Szafnauer.
“I think Otmar, he’s a very proud Ferrari owner!” Perez said.
“What do I make of it? Nothing. I think everyone is free to do what they want, especially outside the racing.
“Between the elbow with Lawrence, nothing really to say. I don’t make anything of it.”