Sergio Perez admits he would be interested in a seat at a front-running Formula 1 team despite his ambitions with Racing Point.
Last weekend, the Mexican signed the longest contract of his career with a new three-year deal keeping him at the Silverstone-based squad until the end of 2022.
However, he insists that doesn’t rule him out of a move to any of the top three teams if an offer was to be made.
“I am realistic,” he said on Thursday at Monza. “There’s no point right now for me to say that I’m going to have a chance with Mercedes or Ferrari for next year. There were years that I was close but it hasn’t been for the last years.
“I know that there might be some movement around [in 2021], but I’ve been so long in this team that if a big opportunity came up definitely the team will be happy to consider it.”
However: “That for me is not a concern,” he continued. “It’s more to work together for the next three years and we have big targets to achieve.”
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That’s because Racing Point is targeting the 2021 regulations to become a front-running team in their own right, with owner Lawrence Stroll investing heavily in upgrading their facilities and more following his takeover just over a year ago.
“I see this team with big potential and I really believe in the plans that we have for the coming years.” Perez continued.
“This year as expected has been a bit of a transition. One year ago it’s when the transition of new team owners came in place and definitely it’s a massive opportunity for me to grow together for the future.
“Obviously there is a big change in rules coming up so hopefully this team can be in place for that.
“What the team is doing back home, how hard they’re pushing and the investment is a massive opportunity. I wanted a project that motivated me, and it’s what I have here. Only time will tell if it’s right or not but I’m optimistic for it.”
